a slower tempo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slower tempo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing music, dance, or any context where the speed of a rhythm or pace is relevant. Example: "The conductor decided to adopt a slower tempo for the second movement to emphasize the emotional depth of the piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Swaminathan set a slower tempo.

The New Yorker

Japan's is so laid back it's at a slower tempo than Brian Eno's Music for Airports.

The Guardian - Sport

We handled better the second half because Bordeaux played at a slower tempo".

The Guardian - Sport

Mattituck is also attractive to people who appreciate a slower tempo.

The New York Times

A waltz-ballad followed, but the band didn't find its footing at a slower tempo.

The New York Times - Arts

There's actually something enticing about people Morris dancing to tunes played at a slower tempo".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The two musical styles share six different tempos, including manban (a slow tempo), yuanban (a standard, medium-fast tempo), kuai sanyan ("leading beat"), daoban ("leading beat"), sanban ("rubato beat"), and yaoban ("shaking beat").

Wikipedia

I agree; though Osborne adds that it takes a slow tempo to bring out the point.

The New Yorker

Explosiveness is not necessary for a Knicks starting point guard, and Bibby certainly plays at a slow tempo offensively.

The New York Times

It was on the right course earlier this season, but a slow tempo bogged down good performances on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Arts

Stanford set a slow tempo in the first half that Texas was never really ever able to accelerate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in music, dance, or sports, use "a slower tempo" to clearly indicate a reduction in speed or pace. For instance, "The band shifted to a slower tempo during the ballad."

Common error

While "a slower tempo" is suitable for describing rhythm, pace, or speed, it's not appropriate for concepts like progress or decision-making. Instead of saying "the project proceeded at a slower tempo", consider alternatives like "the project progressed at a slower pace".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slower tempo" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, denoting a reduction in speed or pace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

28%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slower tempo" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is effective in describing a reduction in speed or pace, particularly in music, dance, and sports. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure it aligns with temporal concepts to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "a more gradual pace" or "a reduced velocity" can be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. The wide distribution across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more gradual pace

Replaces "tempo" with "pace" and uses "gradual" instead of "slower", emphasizing the gradual nature of the reduced speed.

a reduced velocity

Substitutes "tempo" with "velocity" and "slower" with "reduced", focusing on the decreased speed.

a more deliberate rhythm

Replaces "tempo" with "rhythm" and emphasizes the intentional and thoughtful nature of the slower speed with "deliberate".

a less rapid rate

Uses "rate" instead of "tempo" and "less rapid" instead of "slower", highlighting the reduced speed.

a more leisurely speed

Replaces "tempo" with "speed" and uses "leisurely" to describe the relaxed and unhurried nature of the pace.

a measured cadence

Substitutes "tempo" with "cadence" and uses "measured" to convey the controlled and deliberate nature of the pace.

a more sedate pace

Replaces "tempo" with "pace" and uses "sedate" to suggest a calm and unhurried rhythm.

a decelerated rhythm

Uses "decelerated" to indicate the act of slowing down the rhythm, providing a more dynamic connotation.

a relaxed pace

This alternative focuses on the feeling of comfort and ease with the term "relaxed" instead of "slower".

a less intense rhythm

This alternative focuses on the lower intensity, by replacing "slower" with the expression "less intense".

FAQs

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

You can use "a slower tempo" to describe music, for example: "The band played the song at "a slower tempo" for a more emotional effect."

What can I say instead of "a slower tempo"?

You can use alternatives like "a more gradual pace", "a reduced velocity", or "a more deliberate rhythm" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate when discussing changes in music, dance, sports or other activities where speed or pace is relevant. It indicates a decrease in the rate at which something is performed or executed.

What's the difference between "a slower tempo" and "a slower rhythm"?

While both relate to speed, ""a slower tempo"" specifically refers to the speed of the beat, while "a slower rhythm" describes the overall pattern of sounds and silences.