a slightly slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is somewhat slow, often in a comparative context. Example: "The internet connection is a slightly slow today, making it difficult to stream videos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It may be a slightly slow start but it is early days.

The Guardian

Miliband struggled to inspire his audience in the first half of the speech, which had a slightly slow start after his brief mention of Iraq.

The Guardian

Yet, as the days pass, such a worry increasingly looks unfair.Mr Bush, as even his friends admit, got off to a slightly slow start.

The Economist

Tracks were rearranged to a slightly slow tempo, but the Led Zeppelin favourites such as Black Dog; Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You; and Dazed and Confused finally brought a slightly reluctant crowd to its feet.

The Guardian

Don't read on if you haven't seen episodes three and four of the second season – and if you've seen further in the series, please do not leave spoilers Catch up with Vicky Frost's episodes one and two blog After a slightly slow start last week, Borgen really kicked into life with this double-bill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But alas, when Mr. Nolte's voice begins in "Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film," which has its premiere tonight on Starz, he sounds less like an outlaw than a slightly slow student who doesn't understand the words he is reading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"The whale breach has a slightly overcranked feel, a slightly slow-motion feel, and to get the weight into the animal is tricky," Erik de Boer, animation supervisor of Rhythm & Hues, told The Daily.

Independent

She remains so, if at a slightly slower speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The disease progressed at a slightly slower rate in those taking the drug, researchers concluded.

The New York Times

But two new categories of Red 2 would be treated on a slightly slower timetable.

The Guardian

It's a slightly slower way of cooking, but it stops the fillets falling apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slightly slow" to describe processes or systems that are functioning, but not at their optimal speed. For instance, "The server response time was a slightly slow this morning".

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly slow" to describe critical system failures or major malfunctions. It's more appropriate for minor delays or reduced performance, not complete breakdowns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly slow" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something possesses the quality of being slow. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly slow" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is somewhat slow or not performing at its optimal speed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is considered to have a neutral register, it appears more frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. For more precise descriptions, alternatives such as ""somewhat unhurried"" or ""marginally slower"" can be used. It's important to avoid using the phrase when describing critical system failures, as it is more suitable for minor delays or reduced performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally slower

Uses 'marginally' to convey a small degree of difference in speed.

ever so slow

Emphasizes the slowness with the intensifier 'ever so'.

somewhat unhurried

Replaces 'slightly slow' with synonyms that emphasize a lack of urgency.

a tad sluggish

Substitutes 'slightly' with 'a tad' and 'slow' with 'sluggish', indicating a minor decrease in performance.

a little behind pace

Indicates a minor delay or lag in comparison to an expected rate.

moderately delayed

Expresses a moderate level of postponement or lateness.

a touch tardy

Uses 'touch' to mean 'slightly' and 'tardy' to mean 'slow' or 'late'.

not quite prompt

Implies a deviation from expected quickness or punctuality.

somewhat leisurely

Describes a pace that is relaxed and unhurried.

a bit gradual

Emphasizes that the action or process is happening progressively over time, rather than quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly slow" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly slow" to describe a process or performance that is less quick than desired. For example, "The download speed is "a slightly slow" this morning".

What's a good alternative to "a slightly slow"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unhurried", "a tad sluggish", or "marginally slower", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slightly slow" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slightly slow" is appropriate in formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and easily understood. However, consider if a more precise or technical term would be more suitable for the context.

What's the difference between "a slightly slow" and "a slightly slower"?

"A slightly slow" describes something that has a slow quality, while "a slightly slower" compares two things, indicating one is slower than the other. For example, "This computer is a slightly slow", vs "This computer is a slightly slower than my old one".