a slower rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slower rate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a decrease in speed or rate, such as in the following example sentence: The car slowed down to a slower rate as it approached the bend in the road.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women are quitting smoking at a slower rate than men.

The New York Times - Health

We are hiring but at a slower rate.

The New York Times - Tech

Meanwhile, sales prices continue to increase at a slower rate.

The New York Times

That money trickles at a slower rate, Lemaitre said.

The Washington Post

Prices also increased at a slower rate in September.

The New York Times

Further modification at that point occurred at a slower rate.

Polymer

As a result, missile proliferation has occurred at a slower rate than predicted by previous estimates.

Yale University

Also, lignin accumulates at a slower rate for meadow fescue and Perseus, compared to other grasses.

Cornell University

Meadow fescue NDFD appears to decline at a slower rate than with other grasses.

Cornell University

Shanghai's more restrictive policies have led to a slower rate of car growth.

Yale University

"New businesses are coming, but it's at a slower rate than we'd like to see".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates, clearly specify what you are comparing "a slower rate" to. This provides context and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "growth is at a slower rate", specify "growth is at a slower rate than last year".

Common error

Avoid using "a slower rate" when you actually mean a lower amount or quantity. Rate refers to how quickly something happens, not the total quantity. For example, use "a lower number of sales" instead of "a slower rate of sales" if the total sales are down, regardless of how quickly they occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slower rate" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the speed or pace at which an action or process occurs. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing economic growth, decline, or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slower rate" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a decrease in speed or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. While its meaning is straightforward, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from "a lower amount". When you're aiming for clarity, remember to specify what exactly is happening at "a slower rate" and compared to what. Alternatives like "a reduced pace" or "a more gradual increase" can add nuance depending on the context. Overall, the phrase "a slower rate" is widely accepted and understood in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced pace

Emphasizes the reduction in the speed or tempo of an activity.

a decelerated tempo

Focuses on the fact that something is losing speed or momentum.

a decreased tempo

Focuses specifically on the tempo or rhythm being lower.

a more gradual increase

Highlights that the growth or increase is happening slowly over time.

a diminished velocity

Emphasizes that the pace is declining or growing weak.

a lessened frequency

Indicates that something is occurring less often.

a more moderate quickness

Highlights that the action is happening at a medium or fair speed.

a conservative step-up

Highlights that the growth or increase is happening conservatively.

a regressive velocity

Focuses on the fact that something regressed, which means that it went back to a previous and less advanced or worse state or condition.

a step-down

Emphasizes that the level is diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "a slower rate" in a sentence?

You can use "a slower rate" to describe a decrease in speed or progress. For example: "The economy is growing at "a slower rate" than expected."

What's the difference between "a slower rate" and "a lower rate"?

"A slower rate" refers to the speed at which something happens, while "a lower rate" refers to the degree or amount of something. For example, population growth might occur at "a slower rate", while interest rates might be at "a lower rate".

What are some synonyms for "a slower rate"?

Alternatives include "a reduced pace", "a decreased tempo", or "a more gradual increase", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at a slower rate of speed"?

While understandable, "at a slower rate of speed" can be redundant because "rate" already implies speed. It's generally more concise to simply say "at "a slower rate"".