Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
30th November 2024

At this rate

We use this expression to say that something will or won't happen if the present situation continues. It is often, but not always, negative.
Usage
Written: 
No
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
The traffic's terrible! We haven't moved for 20 minutes.
Yes. At this rate we won't get to Birmingham until after midnight!
Example 2
It looks like you're making good progress with the paperwork.
Yes. We'll have everything finished by lunchtime at this rate.

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