range of speeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "range of speeds" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a variety of speeds within a designated range. Example: The car's engine is capable of reaching a range of speeds, from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5 seconds.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An ordinary top can revolve faster or slower across a smooth range of speeds.

The New York Times - Science

That further narrows the range of speeds at which an aircraft can be controlled.

The New York Times

Such a wide range of speeds has been a long time coming.

The New York Times - Sports

Modern engines develop more power, over a wider range of speeds, with little sacrifice of drivability or fuel economy.

The New York Times

A wizard salesman, Kromer switched on and demonstrated the range of speeds on any number of devices with a shame-dissolving forthrightness.

The New Yorker

He recast the harmony of the spheres as a series of scales in which the musical intervals for each planet were dictated by its range of speeds.

The Guardian

It is usual to conduct a series of progressive speed trials, when the vessel's performance over a range of speeds is measured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"For physical and technical reasons, we simply have to offer customers some kind of range of speeds in our tariffs," Mr. Blank said.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Homann, the German regulatory chief, said he hoped to convince operators to offer a more narrow range of speeds in their broadband advertising.

The New York Times - Tech

Her hands are as vital as her feet; there are dashes of fantasy in her movement; and she commands a full range of speeds and timbres.

The New York Times - Arts

Raindrops within a turbulent region, in contrast, have a wide range of speeds and directions as they are tossed around, resulting in a wide range of Doppler shifts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a machine or process, use "range of speeds" to clearly communicate the operational limits or capabilities of the equipment. For example, 'This engine operates efficiently across a wide "range of speeds"'.

Common error

Avoid using "range of speeds" when a specific, single speed is required. "Range of speeds" implies variability; if precision is key, specify the exact speed required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "range of speeds" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the variety or scope of speeds. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "range of speeds" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a spectrum or variety of speeds. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to specify the operational capacity related to speed in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. While highly versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that it reflects the intended meaning of variability and scope. Consider alternatives like "variety of velocities" or "spectrum of speeds" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage and context, writers can effectively communicate the operational capabilities or limitations related to velocity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variety of velocities

Replaces "range" with "variety" and "speeds" with "velocities", emphasizing the diversity in speed.

spectrum of speeds

Substitutes "range" with "spectrum", highlighting the continuous distribution of speeds.

gamut of speeds

Replaces "range" with "gamut", suggesting a complete or extensive series of speeds.

scale of speeds

Uses "scale" instead of "range", focusing on the ordered levels or degrees of speed.

extent of speeds

Employs "extent" to indicate the degree to which the speeds vary.

array of speeds

Replaces "range" with "array", implying a structured collection of speeds.

collection of speeds

Uses "collection" to refer to a group of different speeds.

compass of speeds

Substitutes "range" with "compass", suggesting the scope or boundary of speeds.

magnitude of speeds

Focuses on the size or extent of the speeds.

scope of speeds

Uses "scope" to indicate the extent or breadth of the speeds considered.

FAQs

How can I use "range of speeds" in a sentence?

You can use "range of speeds" to describe the operational capabilities of machines, vehicles, or processes, indicating the variety of speeds they can operate at. For example, "The motor can operate at a wide "range of speeds"".

What are some alternatives to "range of speeds"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "variety of velocities", "spectrum of speeds", or "gamut of speeds".

Is it correct to say "a wide range of speed" instead of "a wide range of speeds"?

No, the correct form is "a wide range of speeds". "Speeds" is plural because "range" implies multiple values within that scope. Using "speed" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "range of speeds" and "average speed"?

"Range of speeds" refers to the entire spectrum of speeds that something can achieve, while "average speed" is a single value representing the typical speed over a certain period or distance. For instance, a car might have a wide "range of speeds", but its "average speed" on a trip might be 60 mph.