a slow loop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slow loop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loop in programming or a repetitive process that takes a long time to complete. Example: "The algorithm was inefficient, resulting in a slow loop that delayed the overall execution time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 20-mile trek started at the Common, continued down Beacon Street to Chestnut Hill Reservoir, then went on to Newton, where walkers then made a slow loop back towards Boston, followed the Charles River through Watertown, and eventually made their way onto Memorial Drive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After a dozen runners jockeyed for position during a slow loop around Central Park, Kipsang surged to the front just before nine and a half miles and cruised to the finish in his first half-marathon in New York, winning in 1 hour 1 minute 2 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

At first, the dancing looks underwhelming, a gentle back and forth on the heel of the foot and a slow loop of the playground.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And he starts with a slow, looping, ugly off-side wide.

The Guardian - Sport

But his stuff seems sharper now, and he has been exceptionally confident in it; his first pitch Saturday was a slow, looping curveball for a called strike.

The New York Times - Sports

French striker Bafetimbi Gomis, starting in place of the club's top scorer Wilfried Bony and seeking his second league goal of the season, volleyed narrowly wide of the top corner and then hit the post with a slow, looping effort after battling to get between two Hull defenders.

BBC

He kicks a leg, goes into his wind-up, and throws the second pitch, a curve ball (a slow looping pitch designed to fool the batter) that is chest high and out of the strike zone.

Huffington Post

She disappeared into the woods, and Dean and I made a long, slow loop back to the hotel.

The New York Times - Arts

However, starting Tuesday, Jose is expected to embark upon a slow clockwise loop lasting into Friday.

The Washington Post

The minute-long interlude "Sit Down, People" is a slow drum loop laid under a sample of Quincy Jones saying, "Sit down, man," after which Kondabolu yells out the name of someone he'd like to hear less from.

The New Yorker

A slow, hypnotic loop lasting nearly 18 minutes, the video is accompanied by an ambient-electronic soundtrack that includes a high-pitched Theremin — an eerie-sounding instrument that was a staple of 1950s science fiction movies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or movements, use "a slow loop" to clearly convey a sense of gradual repetition, especially when the pace is a key characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "a slow loop" when you actually intend to convey inefficiency or failure. Although it describes gradual repetition, it doesn't inherently imply negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slow loop" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun ('loop') with an adjective ('slow'). It describes the quality or characteristic of the noun. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing various contexts where it's used to indicate a gradual or prolonged cyclical action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slow loop" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a process, movement, or action characterized by its gradual and repetitive nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and general descriptions. While the term itself is fairly neutral, its use implies that the speed of the looping action is a noteworthy aspect. When writing, ensure that "a slow loop" accurately reflects the intended meaning of gradual repetition, avoiding its use when describing inefficiency or failure, unless the slow pace is the cause of the inefficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual cycle

Replaces 'loop' with 'cycle', emphasizing the cyclical nature with a slow pace.

a leisurely circuit

Substitutes 'slow' with 'leisurely' and 'loop' with 'circuit', suggesting a relaxed and unhurried path.

a protracted rotation

Uses 'protracted' to highlight the extended duration and 'rotation' in place of 'loop' to focus on a circular movement.

a measured spiral

Emphasizes controlled pace with 'measured' and changes 'loop' to 'spiral', implying an expanding circular path.

a creeping revolution

Replaces 'slow' with 'creeping' to suggest a very gradual pace, and 'loop' with 'revolution' to emphasize a complete turn.

a ponderous orbit

Uses 'ponderous' to underscore the heavy, slow movement, with 'orbit' representing a circular path.

a sluggish round

Substitutes 'slow' with 'sluggish', denoting inactivity, and 'loop' with 'round', indicating a circular course.

a deliberate whirl

Replaces 'slow' with 'deliberate' to emphasize intentionality and 'loop' with 'whirl' to connote a turning movement.

a lazy gyration

Uses 'lazy' to describe the lack of urgency and 'gyration' in place of 'loop' to denote a circular motion.

a gentle swirl

Substitutes 'slow' with 'gentle', indicating softness and gradualness and replaces 'loop' with 'swirl', suggesting a rotating pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slow loop" to describe processes or movements that are gradual and repetitive. For example, "The hurricane executed "a slow loop" over the ocean" or "The algorithm contained "a slow loop", causing delays."

What are some alternatives to "a slow loop"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a gradual cycle", "a leisurely circuit", or "a protracted rotation".

What does "a slow loop" mean in programming?

In programming, "a slow loop" refers to a section of code that iterates repeatedly but takes a long time to execute each iteration, often due to inefficient algorithms or resource-intensive operations.

Is "a slow loop" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While often associated with inefficiency, "a slow loop" can simply describe a process designed to unfold gradually, such as in certain scientific experiments or artistic expressions.