pacing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pacing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb to mean the act of going back and forth in a regular, measured manner, often as a way to manage stress or anxiety. For example: "He was pacing nervously around the room, unsure of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After more than eight hours pacing myself sensibly, always keeping something in reserve, I gave it everything in the final 5km flight to the finish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The co-hosts' 417 for six contained three outstanding innings – Warner, with 178, pacing himself and his team before upping the ante in a mammoth second-wicket stand of 260 with Steve Smith, who made 95, after the early wicket of Aaron Finch, and then Glenn Maxwell reaching 88.

The Guardian - Sport

I walked around the ground slowly (bumping into Phil Tufnell nervously pacing about with a fag on) as I tried to get the best angle to see the fabled fast arm.

The Guardian - Sport

So the only thing left to worry about is cooking the turkey thoroughly and pacing the drinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've run a few ultras now so know the importance of pacing myself and have a good idea of the kind of speed I can maintain for nine or 10 hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I recall in my younger years getting whipped into a lather by Origin and I wonder if that's still the case with today's younger generation (perhaps you can let me know … are your kids pacing the lounge room nervously as I write? Are you?).

The Guardian - Sport

It is extraordinary, pacing Sheffield Hallam's rows of Victorian houses, with sweeping views of the Peak District beyond, to think the composition of Britain's next government with potentially vast repercussions for economic, foreign and social policy could be decided on the whim of a few thousand disgruntled Tykes.Thus does the personal and particular intervene in the grand sweep of democracy.

The Economist

Before Mr Larsson received his implantable device, patients had received pacing from huge external devices.

The Economist

The good news, at least for the foreign multinationals who have been pacing the corridors during its recent troubles, is that Korea Inc can now receive visitors, even suitors.

The Economist

The second debate between America's presidential candidates was a tetchy affair, with Barack Obama and Mitt Romney pacing around each other on stage.

The Economist

Marie is clearly more comfortable pacing the museum's hushed halls than she is anywhere else in London.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pacing" in the context of running or racing, ensure it accurately reflects the strategy of maintaining a consistent speed to conserve energy for a final burst.

Common error

Avoid using "pacing" to describe stationary activities or situations where there is no physical movement involved. "Pacing" implies movement; use words like "planning", "strategizing", or "organizing" instead.

Linguistic Context

Pacing primarily functions as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb 'pace'. It denotes the action of moving at a controlled and consistent rate, or walking back and forth, often due to nervousness or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pacing" functions primarily as a verb describing the act of moving at a steady rate or walking restlessly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its meaning varies depending on context, from strategic speed control to expressing anxiety. Usage spans formal and informal settings, with frequent occurrences in news, encyclopedias, and lifestyle content. Related phrases include "walking back and forth", "regulating speed", and "striding". Remember to avoid using "pacing" in static contexts to maintain clarity. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its grammatical correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walking back and forth

Focuses on the repetitive movement pattern often associated with "pacing".

striding

Emphasizes the act of taking long steps, similar to pacing in a focused manner.

treading

Highlights the act of stepping or walking, often implying a confined space.

regulating speed

Shifts the focus to controlling or adjusting the rate of movement or progress.

measuring steps

Emphasizes the act of taking steps in a deliberate or calculated manner.

stepping

Simply refers to the act of taking a step, a component of pacing.

marching

Implies a more forceful and rhythmic type of stepping than simply "pacing".

roaming

Suggests wandering without a specific direction, but still involving movement.

wandering

Describes moving aimlessly from place to place.

ambling

Implies a leisurely and relaxed way of walking.

FAQs

How can I use "pacing" in a sentence?

"Pacing" can be used to describe the act of walking back and forth, as in "He was "pacing" nervously before the meeting". It can also refer to controlling speed or progress, such as "The runner was "pacing" himself during the marathon".

What's the difference between "pacing" and "walking"?

"Walking" is a general term for moving on foot, while "pacing" often implies a repetitive, measured gait, usually due to nervousness, anxiety, or deliberation. Pacing often occurs in a confined area, while walking can be directionless.

Which is correct, "pacing myself" or "pacing me"?

"Pacing myself" is correct when you are controlling your own speed or effort. "Pacing me" would imply someone else is setting your pace.

What does "pacing" mean in the context of a story or film?

In storytelling, "pacing" refers to the speed at which the narrative unfolds. Good "pacing" keeps the audience engaged, while poor "pacing" can make a story feel rushed or drag on.