rate at which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'rate at which' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the speed or frequency at which something occurs or is accomplished. For example: We need to increase the rate at which we complete projects in order to meet our deadlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That will limit the rate at which processing speeds increase.

The New York Times - Tech

"Warmth increases the rate at which pathogens mature inside mosquitoes".

The New York Times - Science

The rate at which it changes might surprise young demographers.

The Guardian

"Now the rate at which it is melting is increasing.

The Guardian

It also increases the rate at which fats are metabolised.

The Guardian - Sport

Power is the rate at which work gets done.

The New York Times

The rate at which new businesses are forming is rising.

The Economist

Power is the rate at which work is done.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rate at which adults receive asylum is much higher.

Independent

Vevesca is aimed at slowing the rate at which the body makes glycolipids, to balance the slower rate at which patients destroy the compounds.

The New York Times

Ms. Danly said the rate at which Tesco's customers registered their purchases with MyThings "was amazing.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "rate at which", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being measured and over what period. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "rate at which" without specifying the units or scale. For example, instead of saying "the rate at which sales increased was significant", specify "the rate at which sales increased was 15% per quarter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rate at which" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, specifying the speed or frequency of an action or event. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from melting ice to the growth of computing systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rate at which" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that quantifies the speed or frequency of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; therefore, always specify what is being measured and the timeframe involved. Alternatives such as "speed at which" or "frequency with which" can be used for semantic variation, ensuring the writing remains engaging and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speed at which

Focuses specifically on the velocity of an action or event.

frequency with which

Emphasizes how often something occurs over a period of time.

pace at which

Highlights the tempo or rhythm of an event's progression.

velocity at which

Stresses the rate of change in position over time.

degree to which

Indicates the extent or level that something is happening.

extent to which

Emphasizes the scale or scope of an action or process.

level at which

Highlights a specific point or value in a process.

proportion in which

Indicates the ratio or percentage of something occurring.

tempo in which

Focuses on the timing and rhythm of an ongoing process or action.

measure at which

Emphasizes the method or system used for quantifying the change

FAQs

How do I use "rate at which" in a sentence?

Use "rate at which" to describe the speed or frequency of an action or event. For example, "The rate at which the ice is melting is increasing."

What can I say instead of "rate at which"?

You can use alternatives like "speed at which", "frequency with which", or "pace at which" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the speed at which" instead of "the rate at which"?

Yes, "speed at which" is a valid alternative to "rate at which", especially when emphasizing velocity or quickness.

What's the difference between "rate at which" and "degree to which"?

"Rate at which" describes the speed of change, while "degree to which" describes the extent or level to which something happens. They are not interchangeable.