What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pacing
Example
The pacing of the movie was slow in the beginning but picked up towards the end. [pacing: noun]
Example
She paced back and forth in the waiting room, anxious for news. [paced: verb]
speed
Example
The car was traveling at a high speed on the highway. [speed: noun]
Example
He sped up when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. [sped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speed is more commonly used than pacing in everyday language. Speed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pacing is less common and refers to a specific aspect of storytelling, speech, or movement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pacing and speed?
Both pacing and speed can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pacing may be more associated with literary or artistic language, while speed is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.