undue speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is acting too quickly or hastily, often in a context where such speed is inappropriate or excessive. Example: "The driver was charged with reckless driving for exceeding the speed limit and driving with undue speed in a residential area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dickens's depiction of his rapid rise as a descent "direct from Paradise at more than railroad speed" is a masterstroke of bathos and a great piece of punning, alluding to the new mode of high-speed travel, and to "railroad" as a verb, meaning to force an action or outcome at undue speed.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Apart from other indirect, but tangible, advantages gained by a good alignment, the gradients can be adapted to the vehicles, the bends need not slow down the vehicles unduly, and the logging trucks can be fully loaded and can travel at a normal speed without undue wear.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

To handle this problem, the FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commissionn) Order 755 [17] has developed pay-for-performance tariffs, which take both the speed and accuracy of providing frequency regulation into consideration, thus remedying the undue discrimination.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Drivers are generally opposed to any lowering of speed limits, and changing traffic laws at the state level has traditionally required an undue amount of legislative maneuvering.

The New Yorker

Barenboim's speeds were, in fact, on the fast side, but without any sense of undue pressure, external or internal.

The Guardian - Music

Most electric drills do not turn at a high-enough speed for proper sanding, and when they are used with a sanding disk attachment, it places undue strain on the drill's bearings.

The New York Times

Undue influence?

The Economist

And "undue influence".

The New York Times - Books

What's an "undue burden"?

The New Yorker

"Does he have undue influence?

The New York Times

Undue Fears of China Inc?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations where speed is a contributing factor to a negative outcome, use "undue speed" to emphasize that the speed was inappropriate or excessive for the circumstances.

Common error

Don't overuse "undue speed" in contexts where the problem is simply speed, not necessarily its inappropriateness. Sometimes, "high speed" or "increased speed" is more direct and fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue speed" functions as a noun phrase where "undue" modifies the noun "speed". It describes a rate of motion that is considered inappropriate or excessive within a given context. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue speed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe speed that is not only rapid but also inappropriate or excessive in a particular situation. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, consider whether the context truly implies that the speed is unwarranted, or whether a simpler term like ""excessive speed"" would suffice. Remember that it's more than just about being fast; it's about the speed being unsuitable or unjustified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive speed

Replaces "undue" with "excessive", emphasizing the quantity or degree of speed.

inordinate speed

Substitutes "undue" with "inordinate", highlighting the excessiveness of the speed.

unreasonable haste

Shifts from "speed" to "haste", focusing on the hurried nature of the action.

immoderate pace

Uses "pace" instead of "speed", suggesting a lack of moderation in the rate of movement.

unwarranted velocity

Replaces "speed" with "velocity", adding a more technical connotation, and "undue" with "unwarranted" focusing on its justification.

undesirable velocity

Swaps "speed" with "velocity", adding a more formal connotation and replaces "undue" with "undesirable" focusing on its appropriateness.

unnecessary swiftness

Emphasizes the lack of necessity in the quickness of the action.

overly rapid pace

Highlights the excessiveness in the quickness of the action.

excessive tempo

Highlights the quantity of speed and also using a different word for it: "tempo".

undue quickness

Swaps "speed" with "quickness", using a synonym and emphasizing the inappropriate nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "undue speed" to describe situations where someone is acting too quickly or hastily, often in a context where such speed is inappropriate or excessive. Example: "The accident was caused by the driver's "excessive speed" and disregard for traffic laws".

What's the difference between "undue speed" and ""excessive speed""?

While both phrases refer to a high rate of motion, "undue speed" implies that the speed is inappropriate or unwarranted for the given circumstances, whereas ""excessive speed"" simply indicates that the speed is beyond a normal or acceptable level.

What can I say instead of "undue speed"?

You can use alternatives like ""excessive speed"", "inordinate speed", or "unreasonable haste" depending on the context.

Is "undue speed" formal or informal?

"Undue speed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's not overly technical, it conveys a clear and precise meaning that works well in various writing styles.