sense of speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of speed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a feeling you have when you experience something with a lot of speed, such as a roller coaster ride. For example, you can say: "The roller coaster gave me a thrilling sense of speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Without a faster sense of speed, Sony cannot win".

The New York Times - Tech

The sense of speed comes across very strongly.

The Guardian

The camera pretty consistently fails to capture my own sense of speed.

The New York Times

Another signal is anything that imparts a sense of speed and energy.

The New York Times

Tearing up its artificial asphalt is a joy, the sense of speed unmatched on mobile.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet his sense of speed works against his sense of scale and of detail.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The performance captured, in the first and third movements, the music's sense of speeding and slowing to arrive at something massive and monumental.

The Guardian - Music

"Need for Speed: Shift" gives customers a sense of exhilarating speed and power as they "steer" the ultra-responsive tablet to maneuver through courses with dynamic HD graphics.

TechCrunch

The painting gives a sense of headlong speed in the execution, a masterly scribble.

The Guardian - Books

I had no sense of unusual speed and glanced at the speedometer: I was doing 120.

The New York Times - Magazine

The cars feel incredibly planted and prodigiously grippy, and the superbly detailed and crisp graphics convey a startling sense of insane speed.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an experience, use "sense of speed" to convey the feeling of moving quickly, especially when the feeling is a key part of the experience. For instance, describe how a rollercoaster provides a thrilling "sense of speed".

Common error

While "sense of speed" is acceptable, it can be less precise than terms like "velocity" or "acceleration" in technical contexts. Use precise technical terms instead when accuracy is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of speed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a feeling or perception of rapid motion or quick action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Tech

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of speed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the feeling or perception of rapid motion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, often related to technology, arts, and general discussions. While appropriate in many scenarios, it should be used with caution in technical contexts where more precise terminology may be required. Related phrases such as "perception of velocity" or "feeling of rapidity" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The examples found by Ludwig show the versatility of this phrase in describing experiences across a range of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of rapidity

Emphasizes the quickness and swiftness experienced.

impression of swiftness

Focuses on the perceived quickness.

perception of velocity

Focuses on the measurable rate of motion, rather than the subjective feeling.

sensation of velocity

Highlights the sensory experience of motion, with an emphasis on measurement.

awareness of pace

Highlights consciousness of the tempo or rate of movement.

realization of swift motion

Highlights becoming aware of rapid movement.

apprehension of haste

Emphasizes the understanding of the quickness and urgency of action.

notion of quickness

Highlights the idea or concept of being fast.

experience of celerity

Refers to the felt quality of rapidness or swiftness, generally used in formal contexts.

understanding of rapid action

Emphasizes cognitive comprehension of speed in the context of action.

FAQs

How can I describe the feeling of moving quickly?

You can use the phrase "sense of speed" to describe the feeling of moving rapidly. Other options include "feeling of rapidity" or "sensation of velocity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sense of speed" or "the sense of speed"?

Both "a sense of speed" and "the sense of speed" are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the context. Use "a sense of speed" when referring to a general feeling or instance. Use "the sense of speed" when referring to a specific, previously mentioned, or understood feeling.

What's the difference between "sense of speed" and "perception of speed"?

"Sense of speed" generally refers to the subjective feeling of moving quickly, while "perception of speed" can refer to a more objective assessment of how fast something is moving. The former is about the experienced feeling, the latter about awareness.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "sense of speed"?

The phrase "sense of speed" is suitable when describing experiences in games, sports, design, or any scenario where the feeling of quick movement is relevant. It's less appropriate in purely technical or scientific contexts where precise measurements are needed.