pick up the pace

USAGE SUMMARY

'pick up the pace' is a valid expression in written English.
It is a phrase used as an instruction to someone to do something faster or with more energy or intensity. For example, you could write: "We need to pick up the pace if we're going to finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Please, Mr. Pynchon, pick up the pace.

The New York Times

Japan's reformists might want to pick up the pace.

The Economist

He needs to pick up the pace a little bit.

The New York Times

Essien has struggled to pick up the pace after injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Were there places to pick up the pace?

The New York Times

And please, everyone, try to pick up the pace.

The New Yorker

"So we need to pick up the pace".

The New York Times

We can move faster, and pick up the pace.

The New York Times

"Someone was always prepared to pick up the pace".

The New York Times - Health

United Nations leaders told them to "pick up the pace".

The New York Times

"We want to pick up the pace," Mr. Bruno said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick up the pace" in business settings, ensure the context is clear and the request is reasonable to avoid demotivating team members. For instance, specify what needs to be achieved faster and why.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up the pace" when the issue is not speed but rather quality or accuracy. Instead of simply demanding more speed, address the root cause of delays or inefficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up the pace" functions as an imperative, urging someone to increase their speed or rate of progress. As shown in Ludwig, it's used across diverse contexts from sports to business, instructing an action for faster execution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up the pace" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that means to increase speed or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While primarily functioning as an imperative, it serves the communicative purpose of motivating faster action. For alternative expressions, consider using "move faster" or "speed things up", but always be mindful of the specific context to ensure the message remains appropriate. Remembering to focus on both speed and quality will ensure effective communication in any scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move faster

A straightforward and literal way to express the need for greater speed.

speed things up

Similar to "pick up the pace", but emphasizes making things happen more quickly.

step it up

An informal way to urge someone to increase their effort or intensity.

accelerate

This single-word verb directly implies an increase in speed or rate.

quicken the tempo

Refers specifically to increasing the speed of an activity or process.

get a move on

An idiomatic expression meaning to start moving or working faster.

expedite

Focuses on making a process faster or more efficient.

increase the velocity

A more formal way to refer to increasing the speed of something.

push harder

Suggests applying more effort and force to achieve a faster pace.

crank it up

Implies increasing the intensity or energy level of an activity.

FAQs

What does "pick up the pace" mean?

The phrase "pick up the pace" means to increase the speed or intensity at which something is done. It's an idiom that encourages someone to move or work more quickly.

When is it appropriate to use "pick up the pace"?

It's appropriate to use "pick up the pace" when you need someone to work faster or when progress is too slow. However, be mindful of the context and ensure your request is reasonable and clearly communicated.

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

You can use alternatives like "move faster", "speed things up", or "accelerate" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning.

How do I use "pick up the pace" in a sentence?

You can use "pick up the pace" in a sentence like this: "We need to pick up the pace if we want to meet the deadline." It's typically used as a direct instruction or suggestion.