a glacial pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glacial pace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is happening very slowly, like a process or a task. For example: "He was writing the essay at a glacial pace, taking hours to write just one page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The queue moved at a glacial pace.

The Economist

Our culture is stubborn; it changes at a glacial pace.

The New Yorker

At times the game moved at a glacial pace.

The New York Times - Sports

Even a month would be enviable in medicine, where innovations commonly spread at a glacial pace.

The New Yorker

The good news is that Congress moves at a glacial pace.

The Economist

"We always say it's like making a live-action movie in miniature at a glacial pace".

The New York Times

In this slow-growth stronghold, anything other than a glacial pace of development is anathema.

The Economist

Most depressingly, plans to increase runway capacity are moving at a glacial pace.

The Economist

These series featured new episodes every weekday, with stories that usually unfolded at a glacial pace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, while the church adapts at a glacial pace, it does adapt.

The New York Times

The whole thing has proceeded at a glacial pace, leaving some properties in the area abandoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glacial pace" when you want to emphasize that something is happening extremely slowly, often to the point of being frustrating or detrimental. It adds a vivid image to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a glacial pace" in contexts where you simply mean 'slow' without intending to highlight the extreme slowness and potential negativity associated with it. Opt for more neutral terms if the situation doesn't warrant the strong imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glacial pace" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening very slowly. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glacial pace" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something progressing very slowly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, with applications in science and encyclopedic contexts, it serves to emphasize the frustratingly slow nature of a process. When using this phrase, remember to consider its slightly negative connotation and opt for neutral alternatives if extreme slowness isn't the intended focus. Consider alternatives such as "at a snail's pace" or "at a leisurely rate" depending on your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a snail's pace

Replaces "glacial" with "snail's", both referring to slow-moving entities.

at a leisurely rate

Substitutes the imagery of a glacier with the concept of leisure.

at a creeping speed

Replaces "glacial" with "creeping", emphasizing the slowness of movement.

at a tortoise's crawl

Uses the imagery of a tortoise to convey the slowness.

in slow motion

Emphasizes slowness by referring to a cinematic technique.

at a measured tempo

Focuses on a slow, deliberate rhythm or pace.

in a protracted manner

Highlights the extended duration of the process.

at a languid tempo

Conveys a lack of energy or enthusiasm in the pace.

at a dawdling speed

Suggests a slow, almost reluctant pace.

at a snail's gallop

Uses contrasting terms for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "a glacial pace" in a sentence?

You can use "a glacial pace" to describe the speed at which something is progressing, for example: "The project is moving at "a glacial pace" due to bureaucratic hurdles".

What are some alternatives to "a glacial pace"?

Some alternatives to "a glacial pace" include "at a snail's pace", "at a leisurely rate", or "in slow motion" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a glacial pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "a glacial pace" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the extreme slowness of a process. However, be mindful of the overall tone and audience, as it can carry a slightly negative connotation.

What does it mean when something is described as moving at "a glacial pace"?

When something is described as moving at "a glacial pace", it means that it is progressing very slowly, much like the movement of a glacier. It implies that the progress is almost imperceptible and often frustratingly slow.