startling pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"startling pace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the speed of some action. For example, "The new technology is advancing at a startling pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Science can move at a startling pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

The nation's fiscal condition is improving at a startling pace.

The New York Times

In Finland, the numbers started to climb at a startling pace in August.

The New York Times

At the same time, however, the number of people in prison for life has more than quadrupled since 1984 and continues to grow at a startling pace.

The New York Times

Struggling to ratchet up market share, the nation's medical-device makers are out to snap up their weaker brethren at a startling pace.

The New York Times

Every day we are given more and better tools to realize our dreams, to visually create, and it is happening at a startling pace".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Cather's control of her startling steady pace is more assured here - when she is rhapsodic, she does it briefly and elegiacally.

The Guardian - Books

He highlighted the quickening pace of the epidemic, which is taking lives at a startling rate.

Huffington Post

Outwardly, his new novel, "Cloudsplitter," is a startling change of pace.

The New York Times - Books

Ditto Fernando's powers of left wing acceleration and quite startling change of pace.

The Guardian - Sport

EVEN after a year of often startling change, the pace of events in Myanmar can still surprise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling pace" to describe situations where the speed of change or progress is surprisingly fast or unexpected. For example, "The company's growth occurred at a startling pace after the new product launch."

Common error

While "startling pace" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language may be preferred. For example, consider alternatives like "rapid acceleration" or "significant increase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling pace" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes the unexpected or surprising speed at which something is happening. As Ludwig AI mentions, it's used to highlight the rapid progression of an event or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling pace" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something happening surprisingly quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to emphasize speed. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sport contexts, it communicates surprise at the rapidity of change. Alternatives like "remarkable speed" or "surprising rate" can be used, but "startling pace" provides a versatile and widely accepted option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable speed

Replaces "startling" with a different adjective emphasizing the impressiveness of the speed.

surprising rate

Substitutes both adjectives and the noun to highlight the unexpected nature of the rate.

rapid tempo

Emphasizes the quickness using 'rapid' instead of 'startling' and 'tempo' instead of 'pace'.

swift momentum

Highlights quickness and force but replaces "pace" with "momentum".

unexpected swiftness

Uses an adjective-noun structure to highlight the surprise element of the speed.

sudden surge

Replaces both words to indicate an abrupt and forceful increase or movement.

quickened stride

Alters the noun to suggest a literal or metaphorical increased step or progress.

accelerated clip

Changes both the adjective and noun while maintaining a similar meaning of increasing speed.

fast-moving trend

Highlights a trend that is developing rapidly, swapping pace for trend.

breakneck speed

Emphasizes extremely high and potentially dangerous speed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "startling pace" in a sentence?

Employ "startling pace" to describe developments or changes that happen surprisingly quickly. For example, "Technological advancements are occurring at a startling pace, transforming industries in unprecedented ways."

What are some alternatives to "startling pace"?

You can use alternatives like "remarkable speed", "surprising rate", or "rapid tempo" depending on the specific context.

Is "startling pace" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, consider stronger, more formal synonyms like "rapid acceleration" or "significant increase" for highly formal or academic contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as happening at a "startling pace"?

It means the event or development is occurring much faster than anticipated or expected, often causing surprise or requiring quick adaptation.