a slower distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slower distance" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a distance that is covered at a slower pace, but the wording is awkward and unclear. Example: "The marathon runner maintained a slower distance than usual, taking more time to complete the race."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Instead, the traces from Flickr have a slower distance decay, in better accordance with census data.

EPJ Data Science

This relationship suggests that traits enhancing vagility (i.e., high dispersal ability and propensity) would be frequently favoured in regions heavily influenced by glacial cycles [20], such as northern Europe where we consistently found a less-distinct species composition of plots and a slower distance decay in floristic similarity than in southern Europe (Figures 2 and 3).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This girl's life is given a slow-motion distance, from one side of the picture to the other.

Independent

There are many theories: training has evolved from high mileage to long, slow distance.

The New York Times - Sports

The popular workout method known as L.S.D. -- long, slow distance -- has led to inefficient training by Americans, Webb said.

The New York Times - Sports

For example, in Table 2, Rule 2 may be expressed as IFrelated velocity is slow, distance is small, and predicted connection time is medium, THENeligible value is high.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Joe Henderson, its chief editor, advocated "Long Slow Distance" as one possible path to running enlightenment.

Huffington Post

Racing over jumps, at a slower pace, going longer distances, on the turf, makes a difference to some, and it's helped Mr. Hot Stuff.

The New York Times

A so-called hard-seat ticket on a slower train, which covers the distance in two hours, sells for 11 renminbi.

The New York Times

The next morning, the fighting continued in the distance at a slower pace and a crowd was gathering outside the hospital.

The Guardian

Try running a longer distance at a slower pace.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or progress, consider using phrases like "reduced pace" or "leisurely distance" instead of "a slower distance" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slower distance" as it is not idiomatic. Instead, focus on describing the pace or speed at which the distance is covered to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slower distance" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. While the intention is to describe a distance covered at a reduced pace, as Ludwig AI notes, the wording is awkward and not a conventional way of expressing this concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a slower distance" is understandable, it is not idiomatic English. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically awkward and less clear than alternatives like "reduced pace" or describing the speed directly. While examples exist in scientific and news contexts, it's advisable to use clearer and more conventional phrasing to avoid ambiguity. Because of its awkward phrasing and the existence of clearer alternatives, it is best to avoid using "a slower distance" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced pace

Focuses on the pace being less rapid.

a leisurely distance

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried approach to covering the distance.

a shorter distance at a lower speed

Explicitly states both reduced distance and speed.

a less strenuous distance

Emphasizes the reduced effort required to cover the distance.

a more gradual pace

Highlights the gradual nature of the pace.

a more measured distance

Focuses on the careful and deliberate approach to the distance.

a less intense distance

Highlights the reduced intensity of effort.

a slower rate

Shifts the focus from distance to the rate of progress.

a more deliberate pace

Emphasizes the intentional and thoughtful approach.

a less hurried distance

Focuses on the absence of urgency.

FAQs

What's a clearer alternative to "a slower distance"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a reduced pace", "a leisurely distance", or describing the speed directly, for example: "covering the distance at a slower speed".

Is "a slower distance" grammatically correct?

While technically not incorrect, "a slower distance" is awkward and not idiomatic. It's better to focus on the pace or speed rather than modifying the distance itself.

How can I use "a slower distance" in a sentence more effectively?

Instead of saying "a slower distance", try rephrasing to emphasize the action or speed. For example: "They covered the distance at a reduced pace" is clearer than "They traveled "a slower distance"".

What does "a slower distance" actually mean?

The intended meaning is usually that the distance was covered at a less rapid pace. However, the phrasing itself is unusual and can be misinterpreted, so it's best to use more direct language.