rates of consumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rates of consumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the frequency or amount of resources or products consumed over a specific period of time. Example: "The rates of consumption for electricity have increased significantly during the summer months due to the use of air conditioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The world has 1.3 trillion barrels of proven reserves, enough for 40 years at current rates of consumption.

The New York Times - Magazine

The upper limit of supply is likely closer to 23 years using present- day rates of consumption".

The Guardian

At projected rates of consumption, there might be enough to last a century, or perhaps only for two more decades.

The New Yorker

With known reserves and current rates of consumption, the world has about 200 years' worth.

The Economist

Globally, the average projection of the amount of recoverable gas represents about a century and a half's supply at current rates of consumption, the report noted.

The New York Times

It estimates, moreover, that the country has about a century's worth of technically recoverable natural gas resources at current rates of consumption.

The New York Times

Coal, unlike many ore deposits, is found all over the world in huge quantities current reserves of the stuff would last for centuries at present rates of consumption.

The Economist

According to Mr Hayley, total deposits of copper (inferred from geological evidence) would last 107 years and of iron ore 151 years at current rates of consumption.

The Economist

This sounds like a lot, until you consider that oil is a globally traded commodity and that, at current rates of consumption, eighteen billion barrels would satisfy less than seven months of global demand.

The New Yorker

Both countries rely on exports for much of their growth and have relatively low rates of consumption, while the United States has high consumption and runs a large trade deficit.

The New York Times

That spring, the US Energy Information Administration EIAA) released its initial estimate of global shale gas, which found that 32 countries had viable shale basins and put global recoverable shale gas at 6,600tn cubic feet enough to supply the world for more than 50 years at current rates of consumption.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource management, clearly specify the resource when using the phrase "rates of consumption". For example, "rates of consumption of fossil fuels" provides more context than just "rates of consumption".

Common error

Ensure the subject of consumption is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, rather than saying "the rates of consumption are increasing", specify what is being consumed: "the rates of electricity consumption are increasing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rates of consumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies how quickly or to what extent something is being used or depleted, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples regarding energy and natural resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rates of consumption" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that quantifies the speed or amount at which something is being used, according to Ludwig. It's particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and business contexts. While the phrase is generally clear, specifying the subject of consumption enhances clarity. Alternatives like "consumption levels" or "usage rates" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding and managing "rates of consumption" is crucial for sustainability and resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumption levels

Focuses on the amount consumed rather than the rate at which it's consumed.

consumption patterns

Emphasizes the trends and habits related to consumption.

usage rates

Highlights the frequency of use, often in a technological context.

depletion rates

Focuses specifically on the speed at which resources are being used up.

spending habits

Relates more to financial consumption and expenditure.

consumption volume

Highlights the quantity of consumption, rather than the speed.

intake levels

Primarily used in contexts relating to food or substance consumption.

expenditure rates

Implies a broader context of resources being spent, not strictly consumption.

pace of depletion

Highlights the speed at which something is being reduced or exhausted.

degree of usage

Focuses on the extent to which something is used.

FAQs

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

You can use "rates of consumption" to describe how quickly or how much of something is being used. For example, "The "rates of consumption" of natural gas have increased during the winter months."

What are some alternatives to "rates of consumption"?

Some alternatives include "consumption levels", "usage rates", or "depletion rates", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "rates of consumption" and "consumption rates" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific flow of the sentence.

How do "rates of consumption" impact sustainability?

"Rates of consumption" directly influence sustainability because high rates can lead to resource depletion and environmental damage. Sustainable practices aim to manage and reduce "rates of consumption" to ensure long-term resource availability.