phenomenal speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"phenomenal speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is happening at an extremely fast pace. For example, "The athlete ran with phenomenal speed to set a new world record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He is patient but swoops with phenomenal speed when opportunities present themselves.

The Economist

Like Williams, Franken has a mind that apparently operates at a phenomenal speed.

The Guardian

At 17, McLarnin had already established himself as a hard-punching fighter blessed with phenomenal speed.

The Guardian

It was fish-tailing at phenomenal speed – there was no way he was staying on the bike.

The Guardian - Sport

"Multimedia content continues to be a success story for the Guardian, with global video views increasing at a phenomenal speed.

The Guardian

Even those skiing with the belief and phenomenal speed of Lindsey Vonn cannot help considering the downside as they prepare to hurl themselves down yet another mountain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Every A-road and motorway should have a fourth lane, where thrusting high-achievers can drive at phenomenal speeds, endangering only each other, unsafe in the knowledge they've got phenomenally fast reactions, a trait which is common to all business buccaneers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Built at phenomenal speeds, these generic or instant cities, as they have been called, have no recognizable center, no single identity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here, the Southern Ocean is uninterrupted by land for its entire circumference around the Earth, allowing winds to circulate freely and build to phenomenal speeds.

The Guardian

Achieving such phenomenal speeds would require equally eye-watering amounts of energy, even for a relatively lightweight probe.

Science Magazine

Ichiro Suzuki has been phenomenal, his speed, his defense and his bat control all wonders.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like market growth or technological advancement, use "phenomenal speed" to convey the rapid and impressive nature of the development.

Common error

Avoid using "phenomenal speed" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it may sound overly dramatic or exaggerated. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very fast" or "quickly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phenomenal speed" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "phenomenal" modifies the noun "speed". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its role in describing the intensity of motion or progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "phenomenal speed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something moving or progressing at an exceptionally rapid rate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, sports, and science contexts, conveying a sense of admiration or amazement at the swiftness. While versatile, overuse in casual settings should be avoided for register appropriateness. Alternative phrases, such as "remarkable velocity" or "extraordinary pace", can be used to add variety, depending on the specific shade of meaning desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable velocity

Replaces "phenomenal" with "remarkable" and "speed" with velocity, focusing on the rate of motion.

extraordinary pace

Substitutes "phenomenal" with "extraordinary" and "speed" with "pace", emphasizing the rate of movement or progress.

amazing rapidity

Replaces "phenomenal" with "amazing" and "speed" with "rapidity", highlighting the quickness of an action.

incredible swiftness

Substitutes "phenomenal" with "incredible" and "speed" with "swiftness", emphasizing the quick and effortless nature of movement.

exceptional quickness

Replaces "phenomenal" with "exceptional" and "speed" with "quickness", highlighting the promptness and rapidity.

stunning rate

Substitutes "phenomenal speed" with "stunning rate", focusing on a measurement, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure.

blistering pace

Uses "blistering" to describe the intensity of the pace, suggesting very high speed.

breakneck speed

Emphasizes the dangerous and rapid nature of the speed.

high-speed

Uses a compound adjective to describe something moving or operating at great velocity.

rapid acceleration

Focuses on the increase in velocity rather than the speed itself.

FAQs

How can I use "phenomenal speed" in a sentence?

You can use "phenomenal speed" to describe something moving or progressing very quickly. For example: "The company grew at a phenomenal speed" or "The athlete ran with phenomenal speed".

What's a good synonym for "phenomenal speed"?

Alternatives include "remarkable velocity", "extraordinary pace", or "amazing rapidity" depending on the context.

Is "phenomenal speed" too formal for casual writing?

While grammatically correct, "phenomenal speed" can sound somewhat formal. In casual contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "very fast" or "super quick".

What does "phenomenal speed" imply about something?

Using "phenomenal speed" suggests that something is not only fast, but also impressive or remarkable in its swiftness. It indicates a rate that exceeds expectations.