speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing velocity, efficiency, or the rate of progress in a task or process. Example: "The speed at which the project is completed will determine our success in meeting the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The poll shows almost two-to-one opposition to the speed of cuts, but that does not mean voters are yet persuaded there is an alternative.

The Guardian

There was One North's £15bn transport infrastructure plan, including a high-speed rail link, "HS-3", from Manchester to Leeds – reportedly even more extravagant than the proposed high speed rail link, HS2.

The Guardian

You can clearly see the speed and assurance of Schiele's execution, the uninhibited flow of the hand, denoting – in a few quick seconds of activity – tumbling curls of hair or crumpled fabric, or the fluid confluence of flank and hip and thigh.

The Guardian - Arts

That was at Thirsk and there is no denying that others in this field have stronger form claims but few have her potential for improvement on just her second start and her pedigree is a pleasing blend of speed and more speed.

The Guardian - Sport

For the north's economic problems do not stem from a lack of tech-startups or an inability to cross the Pennines at lightning-quick speed; they are borne of successive crises of capitalism, each of which leaving behind their own uncompromising legacy.

The Guardian

Breathing through the anus allows nymphs to propel themselves through the water with a sudden, turbo-charged burst of speed to escape predators.

The Guardian

It grew by 0.9% and is set to grow at almost twice the speed of the euro area this year.

The Guardian - Business

So if the beginning of his care was at times dramatic and shocking – and it was then on to helping mum get up to speed on incontinence products – the second stage was agonisingly prolonged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were very impressed by Piano's flexibility and their integration and implementation speed".

The Guardian

I want the people fighting the corner for theatre, visual arts, music and museums to have had a taste of the unique thrills and frustrations of the creative sectors, to have witnessed first-hand the extraordinary way the arts affect individuals and communities – and ideally before they take up the brief and attempt to get up to speed (as Jarvis has been doing recently).

The Guardian

His Drake edits pair the Torontonian Andrex puppy with mournful 160bpm workouts, and he's part of the Teklife fraternity alongside DJ Spinn et al. Check the recent Buy Now EP, in which he takes 80s boogie – SOS Band, Roy Ayers, Shalamar – and whips round the tempo dial until they're chirruping at breakneck speed.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the rate of progress, consider using "speed" to maintain clarity and conciseness. However, for more formal or technical writing, "velocity" or "rate" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "speed" as a synonym for "accuracy". While both are important in many contexts, "speed" refers to the rate of movement or execution, while "accuracy" refers to the correctness or precision of a result.

Linguistic Context

Speed functions primarily as a noun, denoting the rate of motion or action. It also serves as a verb, meaning to move rapidly or to hasten something. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speed" is a versatile term commonly used to describe the rate of motion or progress across various contexts, from news and sports to business and technology. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. While generally neutral in formality, technical contexts might benefit from synonyms like "velocity" or "rate". Remember to avoid confusing "speed" with "accuracy" and to use synonyms judiciously to enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

velocity

Refers to the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time, providing a more technical or scientific alternative.

pace

Indicates the rate of movement or progress, often used in the context of running, walking, or completing a task.

rate

Denotes a quantity measured with respect to another quantity, such as rate of change or rate of progress.

swiftness

Highlights the quality of being quick or rapid, often used to emphasize the ease and quickness of action.

rapidity

Similar to swiftness, emphasizing the quickness or speed of something.

alacrity

Implies a cheerful readiness or willingness, adding a sense of enthusiasm to the idea of speed.

celerity

Refers to swiftness or speed of movement, similar to rapidity and swiftness but slightly more formal.

expeditiousness

Emphasizes efficiency and promptness in achieving a goal.

promptness

Highlights the characteristic of being quick and without delay.

fleetness

Emphasizes grace and swiftness, often used in poetic or literary contexts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "speed" in a sentence?

Use "speed" to describe the rate at which something moves, happens, or is done. For example: "The "speed of light" is constant", or "They increased the "speed of production"".

What's the difference between "speed" and "velocity"?

"Speed" is the rate at which an object is moving, while "velocity" specifies both the speed and direction of movement. Therefore, velocity is a vector quantity, while "speed" is a scalar quantity.

Is "speed" a formal or informal term?

"Speed" is a versatile term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, terms like "velocity" or "rate" might be preferred for increased precision.

What are common synonyms for "speed"?

Common synonyms include "pace", "rate", "swiftness", and "rapidity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.