rate of consumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rate of consumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the speed or frequency at which a resource, product, or service is used or consumed. Example: "The rate of consumption of electricity has increased significantly during the summer months due to the use of air conditioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The deeper the region, the higher the rate of consumption.

The Guardian

"Our politicians are a reflection of that rate of consumption".

The New York Times

An article on Sunday about India's growing need for energy misstated the country's rate of consumption.

The New York Times

Bite size and chewing power were "significantly higher" in men, whose over-all rate of consumption was faster.

The New Yorker

But the rate of consumption is just half that of the United States and less than in many European countries.

The New York Times

The report concludes that today's average global rate of consumption would need 1.5 planet Earths to sustain it.

The Guardian

And the current rate of consumption, fuelled by housing wealth, leaves many indebted consumers at risk.

The Economist

(2) The rate of consumption of oxygen has been determined at different pH values.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Rate of consumption was investigated to clarify fuel consumption of alkenes.

Combustion and Flame

We currently have no known means of being able to feed 10 billion of us at our current rate of consumption and with our current agricultural system.

The Guardian

In this way, playing a game is closer to reading a book, where the rate of consumption is dictated by the aptitude (or interest) of its consumer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource management or sustainability, use "rate of consumption" to clearly indicate the speed at which resources are being depleted.

Common error

Avoid using "rate of consumption" when you actually mean total amount consumed. "Rate" implies a speed or frequency, whereas "total consumption" refers to a quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rate of consumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the speed or frequency at which something is used or depleted, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rate of consumption" is a widely used and grammatically sound way to describe how quickly something is being used or depleted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. Related phrases include "usage rate" and "depletion rate", each offering slightly different semantic shades. When using "rate of consumption", ensure you're emphasizing the speed, not the total amount. This distinction will help maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usage rate

Emphasizes the frequency of use, applicable in various contexts.

pace of consumption

Focuses on the speed or tempo at which something is consumed.

consumption level

Focuses on the amount consumed rather than the speed of consumption.

depletion rate

Highlights the speed at which resources are being exhausted.

utilization rate

Highlights how efficiently a resource or service is being used.

spending rate

Specifically refers to the speed at which money or funds are being used.

burn rate

Often used in business to describe how quickly a company is spending its capital.

demand rate

Emphasizes the speed at which something is requested or required.

attrition rate

Indicates the rate at which something is being worn down or reduced.

level of expenditure

Indicates the amount of resources spent, emphasizing quantity over speed.

FAQs

How can I use "rate of consumption" in a sentence?

You can use "rate of consumption" to describe how quickly a resource is being used. For example, "The rate of consumption of fossil fuels is unsustainable."

What's a good alternative to "rate of consumption"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "usage rate", "depletion rate", or "spending rate".

Is it better to say "consumption rate" or "rate of consumption"?

Both "consumption rate" and "rate of consumption" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the flow of the sentence.

How does "rate of consumption" relate to sustainability?

The "rate of consumption" is a key factor in sustainability because it determines how quickly resources are being used up. A high "rate of consumption" can lead to resource depletion and environmental problems.