on full speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on full speed' is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is operating at its fastest or most intense rate. For example, "The train left the station on full speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"People above Forty-third Street," read The New York Times the following day, "stopped and rushed back the other way as she swung around the corner and down; vehicles switched off to the curbs or put on full speed ahead; plunging horses dragged carriages upon the sidewalks; pedestrians dived into the nearest shops".

The New York Times

I understand it is hard to put on full speed".

BBC

"His motor was always running on full speed".

The New York Times - Sports

Then blitz on full speed, for 8-10 minutes, occasionally pausing to push the mixture back down the sides of the food processor bowl.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though he mostly campaigns separately from Mrs. Clinton, he testified to her energy on the campaign trail and told the crowd that she had been "running on full speed" for nearly a year and a half.

The New York Times

"The problem now is that people drive them very badly, they put them on full speed in shopping centres," he says, showing how a switch, not much bigger than a toothpaste tube lid, can be turned to the right to reach 8mph (which is the out-of-town limit; 4mph is the top speed allowed in urban areas).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The kitchen's interpretations were highly original and refined, but it didn't compromise on full-speed-ahead spices, so keep the cold water close by.

The New York Times

Others were talking of getting back to full speed on Friday, or next week.

The New York Times

Although he seems to labor to get up to full speed on intermediate routes, he is smooth.

The New York Times

He said later that he needed several laps after each restart to get back to full speed on the racetrack, which had been resealed before the race and became extremely treacherous as today's race went on.

The New York Times - Sports

About two minutes later, Prucha took a pass from Gomez, cruised in on Danis full speed, but lost the puck on his backhand.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "at full speed" as a possible alternative, as it is semantically very close and contextually appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "on full speed" interchangeably with phrases like "at full capacity" or "at maximum intensity" if the context emphasizes volume or force rather than speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on full speed" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI indicates it's generally correct and the provided examples show the phrase being used to specify the maximum rate or intensity of an action or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on full speed" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions or processes happening at their highest rate or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and the various examples highlight its versatility. The phrase is particularly common in news and media, but can also be found in scientific and informal writing. For alternative phrasing, consider "at top speed", "at full throttle", or "at maximum velocity" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the maximum rate or intensity of the described action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at maximum velocity

Focuses specifically on speed and motion, implying the highest possible rate of movement.

at top speed

Similar to maximum velocity but more commonly used in informal contexts.

at full throttle

Implies maximum power or effort, often in a mechanical or figurative sense.

full bore

Similar to full throttle, indicating maximum effort and intensity.

at peak performance

Emphasizes optimal functioning or output, not necessarily related to speed.

flat out

Informal term meaning with maximum effort or speed.

at full capacity

Focuses on the maximum amount that can be held or produced, rather than speed.

at full tilt

Implies a state of energetic or unrestrained activity.

at maximum intensity

Highlights the highest level of energy or force, not directly related to speed.

in overdrive

Suggests a state of heightened activity or effort, often beyond normal limits.

FAQs

How can I use "on full speed" in a sentence?

You can use "on full speed" to describe processes or actions occurring at their maximum rate, such as, "The production line was running "on full speed" to meet the deadline".

What's a good alternative to using "on full speed"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "at top speed", "at full throttle", or "at maximum velocity".

Is it grammatically correct to say "at full speed" instead of "on full speed"?

Both "on full speed" and "at full speed" are grammatically acceptable, but "at full speed" might be more common in certain contexts.

What does "on full speed" imply about the intensity of an activity?

Using the phrase "on full speed" suggests the activity is happening with maximum effort and no constraints on rate or velocity.