a slow process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slow process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that takes a considerable amount of time to complete or achieve. Example: "Learning a new language is often a slow process that requires patience and consistent practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a slow process".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's been a slow process.

BBC

That can be a slow process.

The Economist

"This is a slow process," he said.

The New York Times

But economic revival is a slow process.

The Economist

Yet it is a slow process.

The New York Times

But this is a slow process.

The Economist

"This is a slow process," Hadley said.

The New Yorker

But it's a slow process".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a slow process".

The New York Times

And it's a slow process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress or improvement, use "a slow process" to manage expectations and highlight the need for patience. For instance: "Recovering from a major surgery is often "a slow process", requiring dedication and consistent rehabilitation."

Common error

Avoid using "a slow process" when the situation requires urgent action or immediate results. Saying, 'Implementing emergency protocols is "a slow process"' undermines the necessary sense of urgency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slow process" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the nature or characteristic of an action or event, indicating its time-consuming aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

8%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slow process" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe something that takes a considerable amount of time. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the specific situation and avoid using it when urgency is required. Alternatives such as "a gradual procedure" or "a lengthy endeavor" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual procedure

Replaces "process" with "procedure", highlighting the structured steps involved.

a protracted undertaking

Substitutes "slow" with "protracted" and "process" with "undertaking", emphasizing the length and complexity of the task.

a lengthy endeavor

Uses "lengthy" to describe the duration and "endeavor" instead of "process", indicating a significant effort.

a time-consuming operation

Replaces "slow" with "time-consuming" and "process" with "operation", emphasizing the time investment.

a creeping development

Substitutes "slow" with "creeping" and "process" with "development", suggesting a gradual and almost imperceptible change.

a measured progression

Emphasizes the step-by-step advancement with a controlled pace.

an unhurried course of action

Highlights the lack of urgency in the process.

a delayed evolution

Focuses on a slow and steady change over time.

a plodding method

Replaces "process" with "method" and emphasizes the laboriousness and lack of speed.

a grinding routine

Suggests a monotonous and slow-moving procedure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slow process" to describe anything that takes a significant amount of time to complete. For example, "Learning a new skill is often "a slow process", requiring dedication and consistent practice."

What are some alternatives to "a slow process"?

Some alternatives include "a gradual procedure", "a protracted undertaking", or "a lengthy endeavor", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a slow process" or should I use another adjective?

The phrase "a slow process" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Other adjectives like "gradual", "lengthy", or "protracted" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a slow process" and "a gradual process"?

While both phrases indicate something taking time, "a slow process" emphasizes the pace, whereas "a gradual process" highlights the incremental steps or changes occurring over time.