pick up pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pick up pace' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to mean moving faster or increasing the rate of activity. For example: "The negotiations have been going slowly, but we need to pick up pace if we're going to reach an agreement before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The wealth share of emerging markets is expected to pick up pace again.

The Guardian

The greens are expected to pick up pace during the day again.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor will he admit to any conversations about Formula One's ownership, should News Corp's embryonic bid pick up pace.

The Guardian

Betty Ford, a 61-year-old retired housekeeper stood on her porch as the winds began to pick up pace.

The Guardian

Survivors' distress worsens as law and order breaks down in some parts, though relief efforts pick up pace.

The Washington Post

After a slow start, where the convoluted plot is explained in broad strokes by the block-headed Broque Monsieur, Dream Team begins to pick up pace.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Incrementally the event picks up pace.

The Guardian - Music

Then it picks up pace and I can't escape it.

The Guardian - Books

As the city's modernization picks up pace, it seems, the pace of nostalgia accelerates with it.

The New York Times

As the city's modernization picks up pace, it seems, the pace of nostalgia accelerates along with it.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the "differentiation" strategy picks up pace.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pick up pace" when you want to emphasize an increase in the speed or rate at which something is happening. It's versatile and fits well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up pace" with verbs that already imply constant motion or speed. For instance, saying "the car picked up pace as it was already speeding" is redundant. Instead, use it when there is a clear transition from a slower to a faster rate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pick up pace" functions primarily as a dynamic expression, indicating an increase in speed, rate, or intensity. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, from economic recovery to relief efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pick up pace" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe an increase in speed, rate, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business sources, as confirmed by Ludwig, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with dynamic verbs and avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "accelerate" or "speed up" for specific nuances. Remember, as supported by Ludwig, "pick up pace" effectively conveys the need for or observation of an increase in the rate at which something is happening or progressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accelerate

Focuses on increasing speed or rate.

gather momentum

Emphasizes the building of force or speed over time.

gain traction

Highlights making progress and gaining acceptance.

step up

Indicates an increase in effort or activity.

speed up

Directly refers to increasing speed.

expedite

Suggests making something happen faster or more efficiently.

quicken

Implies a faster tempo or rhythm.

make haste

A more formal way of saying to hurry or speed up.

move faster

A straightforward way to express increasing speed.

intensify

Highlights an increase in strength or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "pick up pace" in a sentence?

You can use "pick up pace" to describe an increase in speed or activity. For example, "The economy needs to "pick up pace" to avoid a recession" or "Relief efforts began to "pick up pace" after the storm".

What can I say instead of "pick up pace"?

Alternatives to "pick up pace" include "accelerate", "speed up", or "gain traction", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "picked up the pace"?

Yes, "picked up the pace" is the past tense form of "pick up pace" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The team "picked up the pace" in the second half of the game".

What's the difference between "pick up pace" and "pick up speed"?

While both phrases imply an increase, "pick up pace" often refers to an increase in activity or progress more broadly, whereas "pick up speed" is more specifically about physical velocity. You might say, "The project needs to "pick up pace"", but "The car "picked up speed" on the highway".