Cool MatePace vs Rate vs Speed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pace
Top 2,000 (common)B1
Rate
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Speed
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Pace | Rate | Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/peɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/peɪs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/reɪt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/reɪt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/spiːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/spiːd/"]/ |
| Meaning | the speed at which something happens or is done | How much something is valued or measured. | How fast something moves. |
| Example | She matched his running pace to keep up. | The teacher gave each student a rate based on their performance in class. | The speed of the car was incredible as it raced down the highway. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | set the pace, keep pace, slow the pace, pace yourself, increase the pace | constant, expected, regular, accelerate, improve, increase, be up, go up, shoot up, at a/the rate, rate of, rate per, constant, expected, regular, accelerate, improve, increase, be up, go up, shoot up, at a/the rate, rate of, rate per, cheap, competitive, low, determine, fix, peg, climb, go up, increase, at a/the rate, rate for, rate of, a drop in rates, a rise in rates, a rate of return, cheap, competitive, low, determine, fix, peg, climb, go up, increase, at a/the rate, rate for, rate of, a drop in rates, a rise in rates, a rate of return | amazing, astonishing, breakneck, burst, rate, attain, reach, build up, increase, decrease, control, reduction, restriction, at speed, in speed, with speed, at full speed, full speed, full speed ahead, amazing, astonishing, breakneck, burst, rate, attain, reach, build up, increase, decrease, control, reduction, restriction, at speed, in speed, with speed, at full speed, full speed, full speed ahead, amazing, astonishing, breakneck, burst, rate, attain, reach, build up, increase, decrease, control, reduction, restriction, at speed, in speed, with speed, at full speed, full speed, full speed ahead |
| Antonyms | stop, halt, slowdown | disrate, devalue | slowness, laziness |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'pace' as a verb meaning to walk back and forth., Using 'pace' only for physical activities, instead of for abstract progress like work or learning., Mispronouncing 'pace' by elongating the vowel sound. | Confused with 'rate' vs 'rate of' - 'rate of' implies a measurement over time., Using 'rated' when 'rate' is required - 'I rate this movie' not 'I rated this movie for now.', Mixing up with 'ratio' - 'rate' refers to the value assessment. | Confusing 'speed' with 'pace' when referring to a specific time or distance., Incorrectly using 'speed' as a verb in sentences., Saying 'the speed' when discussing averages — should specify the context (e.g., 'average speed'). |
| Usage notes | Use 'pace' to describe the speed of an action or event. It is often used in contexts like running or working. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate for discussing evaluations, scores, and comparisons. Avoid using it in contexts that require more emotional nuance. | Use 'speed' in everyday conversations about how quickly something happens. It is appropriate in most contexts, but avoid using it in highly technical discussions unless specifying the type of speed. |
Frequently asked questions: Pace vs Rate vs Speed
What's the difference between Pace, Rate, and Speed?
Pace: the speed at which something happens or is done Rate: How much something is valued or measured. Speed: How fast something moves.
Which is more advanced: Pace, Rate, and Speed?
Pace is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Pace, Rate, and Speed the same CEFR level?
Pace: B1, Rate: A2, Speed: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Pace: She matched his running pace to keep up. Rate: The teacher gave each student a rate based on their performance in class. Speed: The speed of the car was incredible as it raced down the highway.
Can I use Pace, Rate, and Speed interchangeably?
Not always. Pace, Rate, and Speed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.