a lot slower

USAGE SUMMARY

'a lot slower' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when one wants to express the idea that something is happening at a much slower rate than expected or desired. For example: "I thought the progress on this project would be a lot faster, but it seems to be going a lot slower than I anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The recovery time seems a lot slower.

The New York Times

Your recovery rate is a lot slower".

The Guardian

"It's going a lot slower than I had envisioned".

The New York Times

"I definitely was a lot slower," Chang said.

The New York Times - Sports

Jodi Kantor: The law moves a lot slower than journalism data.

University of California, Berkeley

The train is a lot slower than the bus, but it is cheaper.

The Economist

Although it's definitely a lot slower than the Internet, that's for sure.

The New Yorker

Its development has been a lot slower than advocates would have wished.

The Economist

Bob Bryan said: "It was coming a lot slower than usual.

The New York Times

As usual, our trusty politicians are a lot slower on the uptake.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pace in Pennsylvania "is a lot slower," he said, "but I sleep better at night".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lot slower" in comparative contexts, ensure that the basis of comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The new version is a lot slower", specify what it is slower than: "The new version is a lot slower than the previous one."

Common error

Avoid using "a lot slower" when an absolute statement is needed. For example, instead of saying "The process is a lot slower", when you mean it's simply slow, rephrase to "The process is slow". The phrase functions best in comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot slower" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is moving or progressing at a significantly reduced pace. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to express that something is happening at a slower rate than expected or desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lot slower" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate a significant decrease in speed or pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in written English. Its frequency is high across various contexts, particularly in news and media, though it also appears in academic settings. When using this phrase, clarity in comparison is crucial. While "a lot slower" is versatile, more formal alternatives like "considerably slower" or "significantly slower" may be preferred in professional contexts. Avoiding its use as an absolute statement enhances accuracy and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much slower

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

a good deal slower

More emphatic way of saying "a lot slower".

far slower

Indicates a considerable difference in speed.

considerably slower

Emphasizes the degree of slowness more strongly.

significantly slower

Highlights the importance of the difference in speed.

substantially slower

Indicates a large and important difference in speed.

noticeably slower

Focuses on the ease with which the difference in speed can be observed.

markedly slower

Highlights that the slowness is easily noticeable.

appreciably slower

Suggests the difference in speed is large enough to be important or have consequences.

somewhat slower

Expresses a smaller degree of difference in slowness.

FAQs

How can I use "a lot slower" in a sentence?

You can use "a lot slower" to compare the speed or pace of two things, processes, or actions. For example: "The train is "a lot slower than the bus"".

What's a formal alternative to "a lot slower"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "significantly slower", "considerably slower", or "substantially slower" to maintain a professional tone. For example: "The progress is "significantly slower" than anticipated."

Is it ever incorrect to use "a lot slower"?

While grammatically correct, using "a lot slower" might be inappropriate if the difference in speed is negligible or if you're aiming for a more precise measurement. In such cases, use more specific terms.

What is the difference between "a lot slower" and "somewhat slower"?

"A lot slower" indicates a significant difference in speed, while "somewhat slower" suggests a minor or less noticeable difference. The choice depends on the degree of contrast you want to convey.