a slower starter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slower starter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that takes longer to begin or get going, often in a context like sports, learning, or performance. Example: "Although he was a slower starter in the race, he eventually caught up and finished strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A slower starter then.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Giroud is a slower starter but should turn out to be a much surer finisher too.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Cameron was a slower starter but left secondary school "almost an intellectual", one master is alleged to have said, and went on to win a widely expected first-class degree at Oxford.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Khan proved to be a slow starter.

The New Yorker

But it was just a slow starter.

The New York Times

"I'm a slow starter.

The New York Times - Sports

Van Gaal has traditionally been a slow starter.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm normally a slow starter," Lewis said.

The New York Times - Sports

He says, 'I've always been a slow starter.

The Guardian - Film

He was a slow starter, he tells me.

The Guardian

Craig, a slow starter, was still in the closet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a slower starter", ensure you provide context on their subsequent progress or potential. This provides a more balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as "a slower starter" without acknowledging their potential for improvement or eventual success. This can create a negative or dismissive impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slower starter" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It characterizes someone or something as experiencing a delayed or gradual beginning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The given examples show that "a slower starter" is generally employed to give context to future performance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

General

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slower starter" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to describe someone or something that begins slowly or takes time to show initial progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it is commonly found in news and media, and sports contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context regarding subsequent progress or potential to avoid negative implications. Alternatives like "late bloomer" and "slow to begin" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a late starter

Similar to "late bloomer", but more general.

starts off slowly

Directly describes the speed of the beginning.

late bloomer

Focuses on the eventual success or achievement after a delayed start.

gradual beginning

Emphasizes the pace of the start rather than the person or thing.

slow to get off the mark

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the initial delay.

protracted start

Highlights the length of time it takes to get started.

takes time to get going

A more general expression indicating a delayed initial phase.

initially hesitant

Focuses on the reluctance or uncertainty at the beginning.

begins unpromisingly

Highlights the lack of initial success or potential.

not an early achiever

Focuses on the lack of early accomplishments.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slower starter" to describe someone or something that takes time to show progress. For example: "He was "a slower starter" in school, but eventually excelled in mathematics."

What's a good alternative to saying "a slower starter"?

Alternatives include "late bloomer", which implies eventual success, or "slow to begin", which is more neutral.

Is it negative to call someone "a slower starter"?

It can be perceived as negative if used without context. It's better to acknowledge the slow start and then highlight potential or eventual achievements to provide a balanced view.

What does it mean to be "a slower starter" in sports?

In sports, "a slower starter" typically means an athlete who takes longer to warm up or get into the rhythm of a game or competition, but may perform strongly later on.