surprising rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surprising rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a speed or frequency that is unexpected or astonishing in a particular context. Example: "The company experienced a surprising rate of growth in the last quarter, exceeding all projections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But Memphis is doing it at a surprising rate so far this season.

The New York Times

Their big liquid crystal displays, large memories and wide array of features cause them to consume batteries at a surprising rate.

The New York Times - Tech

Because of the many steps being taken, emissions of global-warming gases by American industry are in fact falling, and at a surprising rate.

The New York Times

Different forms of viruses that infect archaea inhabiting extreme environments continue to be discovered at a surprising rate, suggesting that the current sampling of these viruses is sparse.

Nature

Industry is just awakening to the implications of the fact that the average age of employees is increasing at a surprising rate.

MIT Technology Review

The study found that temperatures in the Arctic were rising at a surprising rate and that humans had become the "dominant factor" influencing the climate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But CBS is also getting a surprising rating bounce from its 8 p.m. entry "How I Met Your Mother," which is up more than 30 percent from the same night last year.

The New York Times

Our studies have shown that surprising rates of some NTDs travel with poverty in these regions.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

These include the surprising rapid rate of natural forest regeneration, at an annual rate of 7.7% from 1945 to 2014, and an even faster rate of 11% during a period when hill fires were controlled.

Land Use Policy

More than 30 primate species are now known to carry strains of H.I.V. Dr. Beatrice Hahn, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a member of the team, said: "Three things were surprising: the rate of infection, the diversity of viruses and the amount of bush-meat hunting that was going on.

The New York Times - Science

In early October this posed a clear threat and caused the Fed to act with a surprising discount rate cut.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "surprising rate", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being measured and why the rate is considered unexpected. Provide specific data or comparisons to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "surprising rate" without providing specific context or comparison points. Stating that something is increasing at a "surprising rate" without quantifying it or comparing it to historical data weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprising rate" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate an unexpected or noteworthy degree of change or occurrence. Ludwig examples show this phrase is typically used to quantify increases or decreases that deviate from expectations. The phrase functions to add emphasis and convey a sense of astonishment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surprising rate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an unexpected or noteworthy change, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a descriptor, highlighting deviations from established norms in both numerical and contextual terms. The phrase is prevalent in news, media, scientific, and formal business contexts, emphasizing objectivity while subtly conveying astonishment or interest. When using "surprising rate", ensure you provide specific context and comparison points to substantiate the claim and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stunning rate

Replaces "surprising" with "stunning", emphasizing the impressiveness and unexpectedness of the rate.

unexpected pace

Substitutes "rate" with "pace", altering the focus to speed or tempo instead of numerical proportion. It also changes "surprising" with "unexpected" to sound less astonished.

astonishing speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed" and "surprising" with "astonishing", focusing on the rapidness and unexpectedness of the event.

remarkable frequency

Changes the expression to describe how often something occurs, using "remarkable" to highlight the unexpected nature.

unforeseen velocity

Emphasizes the speed and unpredictability, using a more formal tone with "velocity".

startling tempo

Highlights the abrupt and surprising nature of the rate with the word "startling", while 'tempo' conveys a sense of rhythm or speed.

unanticipated level

Shifts from speed to degree or extent, using "unanticipated" to highlight the unexpected nature.

unpredicted surge

Implies a sudden increase or rush, using "unpredicted" to convey surprise.

sudden acceleration

Focuses on the increase in speed, highlighting the abruptness of the change.

unexpected quickness

Replaces "rate" with "quickness" and "surprising" with "unexpected", focusing on the rapidity of action. It is less formal than "velocity".

FAQs

How can I use "surprising rate" in a sentence?

You can use "surprising rate" to describe an unexpected increase or change, as in, "The company experienced a "stunning rate" of growth this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "surprising rate"?

Alternatives include "unexpected pace", "astonishing speed", or "remarkable frequency", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "surprising rate" formal or informal?

"Surprising rate" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific source.

What kind of things can increase at a "surprising rate"?

Many things can increase at a "surprising rate", including economic growth, technological adoption, disease spread, or even the popularity of a particular trend. The key is that the increase is unexpected or noteworthy.