rate of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rate of fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to firearms or machinery to describe the speed at which a weapon can fire rounds or a machine can operate. Example: "The new model has an impressive rate of fire, making it suitable for competitive shooting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They had a much higher rate of fire.

MIT Technology Review

But the high rate of fire in Vietnam may have been a factor as well.

The New Yorker

Magazine-fed rifles provided a radical increase in rate of fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are lots of changes to stability and rate of fire for certain types of guns.

Forbes

This comes down to a lot of factors, like mobility, rate of fire, muzzle energy, and so on.

TechCrunch

Their rate of fire was 2.3 rounds per minute.

Wikipedia

Their maximum range and rate of fire is unknown.

Wikipedia

The cyclic rate of fire was 160 rounds per minute.

Wikipedia

Their rate of fire was about 4 rounds per minute.

Wikipedia

Its rate of fire was 12 rounds per minute.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Early firearms were vastly inferior in rate-of-fire, and were very susceptible to wet weather.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "rate of fire" for a specific weapon, always include the unit of measurement (e.g., rounds per minute) for clarity.

Common error

Be aware that cyclic "rate of fire" refers to the theoretical maximum, while sustained "rate of fire" accounts for overheating and other limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rate of fire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in sentences discussing weapon specifications or capabilities. As evidenced by Ludwig, it precisely describes the speed at which a firearm or similar device discharges projectiles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rate of fire" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the speed at which a weapon discharges projectiles. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including wikis, news media, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "firing speed" and "rounds per minute". When using the phrase, clarity is key, especially differentiating between cyclic and sustained rates. Overall, understanding and appropriately using "rate of fire" enhances precision in technical and strategic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rounds per minute

Specifies the unit of measurement for the firing rate.

firing speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed", offering a more direct synonym while maintaining the same context.

shots per second

Offers a different time unit to quantify firing speed.

firing frequency

Substitutes "rate" with "frequency", highlighting the number of times firing occurs within a given period.

speed of firing

Reorders the words to place emphasis on speed.

discharge rate

Focuses on the action of discharging, applicable not just to firearms but other systems.

repetition rate

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the firing action.

cyclic rate

Often used in technical contexts to describe the theoretical maximum firing speed.

firing tempo

Uses "tempo" to suggest the rhythm or pace of firing.

delivery speed

Focuses on the speed at which projectiles are delivered.

FAQs

How is "rate of fire" measured?

The "rate of fire" is typically measured in rounds per minute (RPM), indicating how many bullets or shells a weapon can discharge in one minute. Other units like shots per second are also used.

What affects the "rate of fire"?

Several factors influence the "rate of fire", including the weapon's design, ammunition type, and whether it is a fully automatic or semi-automatic firearm. Overheating can also reduce the sustained "firing speed".

Which is more important, a high "rate of fire" or high accuracy?

The importance of a high "rate of fire" versus high accuracy depends on the specific context. In close-quarters combat, a high "rate of fire" may be advantageous, while long-range engagements often prioritize accuracy. A balance between the two is often ideal.

What are some synonyms for "rate of fire"?

Alternatives to "rate of fire" include "firing speed", "discharge rate", and "repetition rate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.