full speed
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
At the maximum possible speed or rate of progress.
Used to describe proceeding with maximum effort, urgency, or intensity, often without hesitation or reservation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adverbial phrase. Often implies not just physical speed, but also dedication of resources and focus. Can be used literally (mechanical/transport) and metaphorically (projects, effort).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the phrase identically. 'Full speed ahead' is the canonical imperative form in nautical/military contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more nautical/military heritage in UK English, but shared fully with US usage.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + at + full speedGO/Proceed + full speed aheadOPERATE + at + full speedFULL SPEED + AHEAD (imperative)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Full speed ahead”
- “At full speed”
- “Go full speed”
- “Full steam ahead (related, nautical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The board approved the budget, so we're moving full speed on the merger."
Academic
Used in historical or technical descriptions, e.g., "The engine was tested at full speed."
Everyday
"The kids ran full speed down the hill."
Technical
In engineering: "The turbine rotates at full speed (3600 RPM)." In computing: "The processor runs at full speed under load."
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- The train was travelling full speed when it passed the signal.
- We need to work full speed to meet the deadline.
American English
- She ran full speed toward the finish line.
- The project is moving full speed ahead.
adjective
British English
- The full-speed trials were conducted offshore.
- He made a full-speed dash for the line.
American English
- It was a full-speed chase through downtown.
- The factory is in full-speed production.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The car drove full speed down the road.
- He can run full speed.
- After the delay, production continued at full speed.
- The boat sailed full speed ahead into the wind.
- The committee gave the green light, so development is proceeding at full speed.
- You can't just go full speed into a new market without research.
- Negotiations having concluded, both parties are now proceeding full speed with implementation.
- The reactor must not operate at full speed for more than twelve consecutive hours.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a car's speedometer with the needle pinned all the way to the right at 'FULL' – that's FULL SPEED.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / INTENSITY IS SPEED / A PROJECT IS A VEHICLE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as *"полная скорость"* in all contexts. While sometimes correct literally, the metaphorical use (e.g., 'work at full speed') is better rendered as "на полную мощность", "изо всех сил", or "без задержек".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'full speed' as an adjective before a noun without a hyphen (e.g., 'a full-speed chase' is correct, not 'a full speed chase').
- Confusing 'full speed' with 'high speed' – 'full' implies maximum capacity.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'full speed' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word phrase, typically written as separate words, though hyphenated when used as a compound adjective (e.g., full-speed test).
'Full speed' describes a state or manner. 'Full speed ahead' is an imperative or declarative phrase, often metaphorical, meaning to proceed without hesitation.
Yes, it is very commonly used metaphorically for projects, work, mental effort, or any intensive activity (e.g., 'working at full speed').
No, the standard phrasing is 'at full speed' without the indefinite article 'a'.