a slower speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slower speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the rate of movement or operation that is less than a standard or expected pace. Example: "To ensure safety during the construction process, we will operate the machinery at a slower speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The problem was his thought process: the lithium he was taking in small doses brought a slower speed to reality.

The New Yorker

By providing much of the forward thrust, it allows the rotors to turn at a slower speed, sufficient only to maintain lift.

The Economist

Eddy-current separators, in use since the early 1990s, consist of a rapidly revolving magnetic rotor inside a long, cylindrical drum that rotates at a slower speed.

The Economist

This system of moving large volumes of air at a slower speed raises efficiency and cuts both fuel consumption and noise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The defenseman skates slightly in front of him, mirroring his path at a slower speed and preventing him from proceeding at full speed.

The New York Times

More impressive yet, try running "Mothlight" at a slower speed, and you can begin to understand, with a clarity impossible at 24 frames per second, the design of its intricately polyrhythmic structure.

The New York Times - Arts

One reason for its popularity is its already high adoption rate by big corporations for in-house networks; the main competing protocol, HomeRF, was limited by federal regulations to a slower speed until late last year.

The New York Times - Tech

Most important, Braunecker said, was Burnett's maturation as a pitcher, knowing when to throw his fastball at 98 miles an hour and when to pitch at a slower speed.

The New York Times - Sports

"If they had been going a slower speed, the results would not have been disastrous," said Bob McNair, a Houston energy entrepreneur who sold the bulk of his own company to Enron three years ago.

The New York Times

If driving at a slower speed then yes, stay in the inside lane.

BBC

And so a rail line with a nearby stop and trains travelling at a slower speed may have found more support.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or activity that requires precision or control, using "a slower speed" can emphasize the importance of accuracy over haste.

Common error

Avoid using "a slower speed" when a more precise term like "controlled pace" or "reduced velocity" would better convey the intended meaning. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slower speed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "slower" modifies the noun "speed". As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is employed across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slower speed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes a reduced rate of movement or operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to communicate a deliberate decrease in pace, often for reasons of safety, precision, or control. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news media, scientific publications, and wiki-based content. Related phrases include "a reduced pace" and "a lower velocity", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. When using "a slower speed", consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate to better convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced pace

Focuses on the rate of movement or progress, implying a deliberate reduction.

a lower velocity

Emphasizes the rate at which something is moving, suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

a more leisurely tempo

Highlights the relaxed and unhurried nature of the pace.

a diminished rate

Stresses the quantitative aspect of the reduction in speed.

a less rapid tempo

Emphasizes the absence of quickness or haste.

a creeping pace

Implies a very slow and gradual movement.

a snail's pace

Uses a simile to describe extreme slowness.

a sluggish speed

Suggests a lack of energy or dynamism in the movement.

a moderate speed

Implies a speed that is neither fast nor slow, but balanced.

a gentle speed

Suggests a smooth and unforceful rate of movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slower speed" to describe the pace of movement or operation, such as, "The machine was set to "a slower speed" to prevent errors."

What are some alternatives to "a slower speed"?

Alternatives include "a reduced pace", "a lower velocity", or "a more leisurely tempo", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a slower speed"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is moving or operating at a reduced rate compared to what is standard or expected.

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

While both phrases indicate a decrease in pace, ""a slower speed"" typically refers to movement, while "a slower rate" can apply to any process or activity.