the rate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the rate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a way to introduce a comparison between two items. For example, "The rate that profits have grown over the past year is significantly higher than it was the year before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was almost twice the rate that had been expected.

The New York Times

As it turned out, the economy grew at nearly twice the rate that was anticipated.

The New York Times

And what we've said is let's go back to the rate that existed under Ronald Reagan.

The Guardian

Specifically, they were instructed to tap periodically on the rhythms at the rate that feels natural.

Nature

Autopsies, however, now occur at but a tiny fraction of the rate that has occurred in the past.

The New York Times

Yet the rate that applies specifically to Māori is about 700 per 100,000.

Vice

In January, the rate that includes part-timers and discouraged workers stood at 9.9percentt.

HuffPost

Know what that means, ladies and gentleman of Washington, D.C.? That's the rate that will cut the deficit the fastest.

Huffington Post

The percentage of the rate that is at risk based on performance is subject to negotiation.

BMC Health Services Research

Be aware that this is not the rate that will be used.

WikiHow

Twice the rate that competitors pay, in fact.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the rate that", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what is being measured and what it's being compared to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the rate that" when a simpler preposition like 'at' or 'in' suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rate that" functions as a relative clause introducer, modifying a noun (often related to speed, growth, or change). It specifies a particular measure or comparison. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to introduce a comparison between two items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the rate that" functions as a relative clause introducer to quantify speeds, frequencies, or proportions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and use for comparisons. While very common across various sources, especially News & Media and Science, it’s crucial to ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid overuse. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "the degree to which". Remember that "the rate that" is versatile but requires careful contextual application for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the speed at which

Focuses more on the velocity or pace, rather than the general proportion.

the pace at which

Synonymous with 'speed', but implies a more measured progression.

the frequency with which

Emphasizes how often something occurs, adding specificity.

the proportion by which

Highlights the ratio or percentage of change.

the degree to which

Indicates the extent or intensity of something.

the extent to which

Similar to 'degree', but slightly broader in scope.

the level at which

Refers to a specific point or stage, related to progression.

the way in which

Similar to 'manner', but a more common and general alternative.

the scale at which

Highlights the magnitude or scope of change.

the manner in which

Focuses on how something is done, rather than the speed.

FAQs

How can I use "the rate that" in a sentence?

Use "the rate that" to compare speeds or proportions. For example, "The rate that ice is melting is alarming" or "The rate that new businesses are opening is higher than last year".

What's a simple alternative to "the rate that"?

Depending on the context, you could use simpler alternatives such as "the speed at which", "the frequency with which", or "the pace at which".

When is it more appropriate to use "the speed at which" instead of "the rate that"?

Use "the speed at which" when you want to specifically emphasize the velocity or quickness of something, whereas "the rate that" is more general and can apply to proportions or changes over time. See more about "the speed at which".

Is "the rate that" considered formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "the rate that" leans toward neutral formality. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "the degree to which" or "the extent to which".