moving at top speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving at top speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is traveling or operating at the highest possible speed. Example: "The car was moving at top speed down the highway, leaving all other vehicles behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(How unexpected that we often experience this sensation only when moving at top speed).

The New York Times

But some believe it has created more danger of injuries, as players moving at top speed and concentrating on the puck become more vulnerable to big collisions.

The New York Times

Standing and squatting sailors can be made out through a trailed bluish gray blur, as if they had been photographed from a vehicle moving at top speed.

The New York Times - Arts

In the darkened gallery, by the sea, is a still image that appears to be moving at top speed apparently without shifting or changing.

The Guardian - Arts

Seen from the marble-railed balconies, the frantic choreography of New Yorkers moving at top speed seems like the very pulse of the city.

The New York Times - Food

Workers with such approval are not allowed to work directly on the track unless they are able to move to a safe location at least 15 seconds before a train moving at top speed arrives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even with no castle at the end, it's a beautiful ride, though a slow one, requiring the modern passenger to adjust to moving at a top speed of 20 miles per hour.

The New York Times - Travel

A 1.76 pound drone can now move faster than a Tesla at top speed in Ludicrous Mode.

TechCrunch

The fuzzy yellow ball hurtles through the air at top speed, so you move your feet and get your racket back.

The New York Times - Sports

It is pure-T bliss this late afternoon, spinning along at top speed, blue skies, moves you to testify: Good work, God! Sun tips the tops of Carolina pines shimmering gold against a low going incoming C5A.

Huffington Post

Thus we could imagine, without contradiction, a circumstance in which an army, all of whose members are brave, flees at top speed before the enemy makes a move.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving at top speed" to create a vivid image of rapid action or progress, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. For instance, "The project team was moving at top speed to meet the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "moving at top speed" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language like "operating at maximum efficiency" or "progressing with optimal velocity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving at top speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of movement. It indicates the highest possible rate of motion or progression, aligning with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moving at top speed" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that effectively conveys rapid movement or progression. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that it functions as an adverbial phrase, often found in news media and general descriptions. While generally neutral in register, more formal or technical contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit when you need to emphasize swiftness and maximum effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traveling at maximum velocity

Replaces "top speed" with a more technical term, "maximum velocity", indicating the highest possible speed.

speeding along

Highlights continuous movement at a high rate.

advancing rapidly

Emphasizes the fast progression rather than the absolute speed.

progressing swiftly

Similar to "advancing rapidly", but highlights the smooth and quick movement forward.

racing ahead

Suggests a competitive element to the fast movement.

accelerating quickly

Focuses on the increase in speed rather than the state of being at top speed.

flying by

Implies a very high speed and a sense of fleetingness.

hastening swiftly

More formal and literary, suggesting urgent or purposeful speed.

zooming quickly

Informal and emphasizes the fast movement.

rushing hastily

Emphasizes the urgency and potential lack of control in the movement.

FAQs

How can I use "moving at top speed" in a sentence?

You can use "moving at top speed" to describe the maximum velocity of a vehicle or the rapid progress of a project. For example, "The train was moving at top speed" or "The developers were moving at top speed to complete the software".

What are some alternatives to "moving at top speed"?

Alternatives include "traveling at maximum velocity", "advancing rapidly", or "progressing swiftly", depending on the context.

Is "moving at top speed" formal or informal?

"Moving at top speed" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal in some contexts. In highly formal or technical writing, consider alternatives like "operating at peak efficiency".

What does "moving at top speed" imply?

"Moving at top speed" implies that something or someone is operating or traveling at the highest possible rate. It conveys a sense of urgency, efficiency, and maximum effort.