a slow speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slow speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the rate of movement or operation of an object or process that is not fast. Example: "The car was moving at a slow speed, making it difficult to merge into traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Leffler posted a slow speed in the time trials last week.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the advantages of the autogiro over the airplane are: 1) It takes off at a slow speed.

The New Yorker

Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, or Actus Tragicus, is taken at a slow speed, convincing on repeated listening.

The Guardian - Music

Some models of BMW already have a predictive assistant that signals the driver when, for example, a slow speed zone lies out of view ahead.

The New York Times

& struck the Waymo vehicle, which was traveling at a slow speed and in autonomous mode.

TechCrunch

Low-intensity discharges allow the outward growth of the coating at a slow speed.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

When he approached the vehicle, a slow-speed chase ensued.

The New York Times

(http: //community.webshots.com/album /4863417cJfKiUxLme) REALITY BITES -- Never miss a slow-speed Bronco chase again.

The New York Times

Simpson is arrested after a slow-speed police chase broadcast live on US television.

The Guardian

Fred Funk has struggled to find his golf game after a slow-speed tumble off his son's small motorcycle in June.

The New York Times - Sports

There's O. J. Simpson leading the Los Angeles police on a slow-speed car chase five days after his wife was murdered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, consider using more precise terms like "low velocity" or "reduced rate" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slow speed" when you actually mean a lack of speed or complete stoppage. "A slow speed" implies movement, albeit at a reduced rate, not the absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slow speed" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "slow" is an adjective modifying the noun "speed". Ludwig indicates it is grammatically sound. It typically describes the rate at which something moves or operates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slow speed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe motion occurring at a reduced pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. When writing, remember that "a slow speed" implies movement, not the complete absence of it, and consider using more precise terms like "low velocity" in technical contexts for greater clarity. The phrase is mostly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low velocity

Replaces "speed" with "velocity" for a more technical feel, implying the rate of motion in a specific direction.

a reduced pace

Substitutes "speed" with "pace", emphasizing the rhythm or rate of progress.

a leisurely tempo

Uses "tempo" instead of "speed", highlighting the rate or pace, typically in a musical or rhythmic context.

a moderate velocity

Replaces "slow" with "moderate", indicating a medium or average speed rather than a low one.

a creeping pace

Replaces "slow" with "creeping", suggesting an extremely slow or almost imperceptible pace.

a sluggish rate

Uses "sluggish" instead of "slow", emphasizing a lack of energy or dynamism in the speed.

a snail's pace

Employs a simile to illustrate extreme slowness, comparing the speed to that of a snail.

a deliberate speed

Replaces "slow" with "deliberate", implying that the slowness is intentional or purposeful.

a gradual acceleration

Focuses on the change in speed, specifically a slow or incremental increase in velocity.

a controlled speed

Emphasizes the level of control over the speed, which may or may not be slow, but is carefully managed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slow speed" to describe the motion of an object or the pace of a process. For example, "The car approached the intersection at "a slow speed" to ensure safety."

What can I say instead of "a slow speed"?

You can use alternatives like "a low velocity", "a reduced pace", or "a leisurely tempo" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at a slow speed" or "at a low speed"?

Both "at a slow speed" and "at a low speed" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Slow" emphasizes the lack of quickness, while "low" emphasizes the degree or intensity of speed.

What's the difference between "a slow speed" and "a steady speed"?

"A slow speed" indicates the rate of motion is not fast, while "a steady speed" suggests the rate is consistent and unchanging, regardless of whether it's fast or slow.