was unable to keep pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was unable to keep pace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something cannot maintain the same speed or level of progress as others. Example: "Despite her best efforts, she was unable to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Murray was unable to keep pace with the Bruins.

The New York Times - Sports

Stenson was unable to keep pace with a stirring Sunday from Mickelson at Muirfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Roger Federer did his part at age 36, but the next generation was unable to keep pace.

The New York Times - Sports

On the last of three stiff climbs toward this ski resort in the Pyrenees, Contador, breathing heavily and visibly struggling, was unable to keep pace with the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank, and another leading rider, Cadel Evans.

The New York Times - Sports

He was often heavily reliant on his pace to recover from his defensive mistakes but, as he aged, his ability to cover ground declined sharply and he was unable to keep pace in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Exhaustion was considered to have occurred when the rat was unable to keep pace with the treadmill, lay flat, and stayed on the grid positioned at the back of the treadmill for a period of 30 seconds despite being gently pushed with sticks or breathed on16,17,19,37.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

If they are unable to keep pace, they repeat even first grade, but they get help.

The New York Times

Fuel deposits, too, were unable to keep pace with the spiraling demands of energy-hungry industries and domestic consumers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three riders were unable to keep pace and dropped far behind with a dozen kilometers (7.5 miles) to go.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite taking on huge amounts of debt, they've been unable to keep pace with community standards.

The New York Times

Employment did not guarantee financial security though, as the wages earned by those who were employed were unable to keep pace with inflation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unable to keep pace", ensure that the context clearly identifies what or who is setting the pace and why the subject couldn't maintain it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "was unable to keep pace" without explaining the cause. Provide context on the factors contributing to this inability, such as skill deficits, resource limitations, or external pressures. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unable to keep pace" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating a lack of ability to maintain a certain standard or rate. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. The phrase describes a state of being where progress or speed falls short of a required level.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was unable to keep pace" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the failure to maintain a certain speed, level, or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Commonly found in news, science, and wiki contexts, this phrase effectively communicates a deficiency or shortfall. For clarity, always provide context about the factors contributing to this inability and the standard that wasn't met. Consider using alternatives like "failed to keep up" or "fell behind" for variety. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what or who set the pace. The phrase is versatile enough for neutral to formal writing, conveying a sense of deficiency in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to keep up

A simpler, more direct way of saying someone couldn't maintain the same speed or progress.

fell behind

Emphasizes the result of not keeping pace: lagging or trailing.

lagged behind

Similar to 'fell behind', but with a slightly stronger sense of trailing.

could not match the speed

Highlights the inability to equal the velocity of another.

lost ground

Indicates a loss of progress or advantage compared to others.

could not maintain the same rhythm

Focuses on a lack of rhythm or tempo in maintaining pace.

was outstripped

Suggests being surpassed or exceeded, often in a competitive context.

failed to keep abreast

Indicates an inability to stay informed or up-to-date with developments.

missed the beat

Emphasizes failing to synchronize with a rhythm or expected pattern.

couldn't stay current

Focuses on the inability to remain updated or contemporary.

FAQs

How can I use "was unable to keep pace" in a sentence?

You can use "was unable to keep pace" to describe situations where someone or something couldn't maintain the same level or speed as another. For example, "The small company "was unable to keep pace" with the rapid growth of its larger competitors".

What are some alternatives to saying "was unable to keep pace"?

Alternatives include "failed to keep up", "fell behind", or "could not match the speed", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could not keep pace" or "was unable to keep pace"?

Both "could not keep pace" and "was unable to keep pace" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone of your writing.

What does it mean when something "was unable to keep pace"?

It means that something or someone could not maintain the same speed, level, or progress as something else. It implies a difficulty or failure in maintaining a required standard or rate.