step on the accelerator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step on the accelerator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to encourage someone to move forward, figuratively speaking. For example, you could say "We need to step on the accelerator and get this project done quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's time to step on the accelerator".

The Guardian - Sport

He could go but he found it difficult to step on the accelerator.

The New Yorker

Moreover, the leadership transition this year could provide extra impetus to step on the accelerator sooner rather than later.

The New York Times

Step on the accelerator and it speeds up to about 2,700 to 3,000 r.p.m. for charging plus acceleration.

The New York Times

Step on the accelerator, and this energy can be fed back to the motor, causing the car to pick up speed again.

The Economist

"We have now reached the right moment to step on the accelerator of the Fiat-Chrysler integration," Mr. Marchionne said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Then the driver stepped on the accelerator and the truck sped up, accelerated and drove in a zigzag course into the crowd.

The Guardian

If the CX-5 driver steps on the accelerator rather than the brake when an obstacle is in front of the car, the acceleration control system would relay a visual an audible alert, and curb engine power.

The New York Times

Law textbooks describe depraved-indifference murder as the equivalent of driving down Main Street, doing 60 miles an hour at 3 in the afternoon; intentional murder would be waiting for a pedestrian to walk into the street and then stepping on the accelerator.

The New York Times

From there, Williams stepped on the accelerator.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he grabbed her bag and stepped on the accelerator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step on the accelerator" when you want to emphasize the need for quicker action or progress in a project or situation. For instance, "Now that we have the initial data, it's time to "step on the accelerator" and finalize the report."

Common error

Avoid using "step on the accelerator" in contexts where a literal reference to driving is confusing or unintended. Instead, opt for more general phrases like "speed up" or "increase momentum" to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step on the accelerator" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a common way to urge faster progress or increased effort toward a goal. It’s often used to inject a sense of urgency into a discussion or plan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step on the accelerator" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to express the need for increased speed or intensity in pursuing a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While it's generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "expedite the process" may be preferable in certain situations. Remember to use it when you want to convey urgency and motivate faster action, but avoid literal interpretations that could cause confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pick up the pace

Implies increasing the rate at which something is done.

speed things up

Emphasizes making something happen more quickly.

push harder

Focuses on applying more effort to achieve a faster result.

expedite the process

Focuses on making a procedure faster and more efficient.

move faster

A direct and simple way to say to increase speed.

increase momentum

Highlights the building of force or speed.

accelerate growth

Specifically refers to making something grow faster.

give it a boost

Implies providing extra support or energy to increase speed or progress.

turbocharge efforts

Suggests a very rapid and significant increase in effort.

crank it up

An informal way to say to increase intensity or speed.

FAQs

What does "step on the accelerator" mean?

The phrase "step on the accelerator" is an idiomatic expression that means to increase speed or intensity, typically in the context of making progress on a project or task. It suggests a need to move forward more quickly.

How can I use "step on the accelerator" in a sentence?

You can use "step on the accelerator" when you want to encourage faster action or progress. For example: "With the deadline approaching, we need to "step on the accelerator" to complete the project on time."

What can I say instead of "step on the accelerator"?

You can use alternatives like "speed things up", "pick up the pace", or "move faster" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "step on the accelerator" in formal writing?

While "step on the accelerator" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal. In very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "expedite the process" or "accelerate growth" to maintain a more professional tone.