a touch slower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch slower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight decrease in speed or pace, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "If you could speak a touch slower, I would appreciate it, as I'm having trouble keeping up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His play, a touch slower.

The Guardian - Sport

With 272 horsepower, it's not lacking in muscle, although grunt is a touch slower to come from the smaller mill when you stomp on the throttle.

The New York Times

It was clever bowling, maybe a touch slower, and Broad had to drag his bat back across from outside off stump to block the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

The front-wheel-drive SL with a 6-speed manual transmission accelerates from zero to 60 m.p.h. in 7.5 seconds, according to Car and Driver, though my test model, weighed down with all-wheel drive, was a touch slower.

The New York Times

They make no real mistakes but the ice is definitely looking a touch slower and they can't make up the pace needed despite only one real error, a slight touch of the side towards the end.

The Guardian - Sport

In his recent bouts against Marcos Maidana the once legendary reflexes he possessed seemed just a touch slower, and against Pacquiao, who frequently averages over 100 punches a round, will he be able to evade everything his opponent has to offer?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The start was probably a touch slow, but the big difference came after 35km, when the pace told.

The Guardian - Sport

In the past, a person who was a touch slow would, if serving on a jury for example, try to conceal any confusion about what was going on.

Independent

A child in the best of physical health, for example, appears to be getting by almost fine - sure, his language development might seem a touch slow, some of his behaviors a little odd - until, finally, the various facts swarm together under one diagnostic explanation.

The Guardian

What you're left with is music like Touch: slow, drifting electronica, marked by glitches, with an almost church-like atmosphere that has led some to describe it as "ambient goth", an affecting mix of spectral sonics and ghostly vocals, as un-earthy as it is unearthly.

The Guardian - Music

The Japanese forward advanced around the defender and Tremmel's vital touch slowed the ball for Britton to clear off the line.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch slower" when you want to describe a slight difference in speed or pace without being overly critical or precise. It adds a nuanced and casual tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague quantifiers like "a touch slower" without providing any context or comparison. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared and the relative difference in speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch slower" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a slight decrease in speed or pace. Ludwig shows how the phrase is used across various domains to describe nuances in performance, growth, or movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch slower" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a slight decrease in speed or pace. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and showcases its use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts, and writers should ensure clarity by providing sufficient context. For formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "slightly slower" or "marginally slower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit slower

Indicates a slightly more noticeable decrease in speed compared to "a touch slower".

slightly slower

A more formal and direct way of saying "a touch slower", suggesting a small reduction in speed.

a little slower

Similar to "a bit slower" but can sometimes imply a smaller degree of slowness.

a shade slower

Similar to "a touch slower" but uses "shade" to indicate a minimal difference.

marginally slower

Emphasizes that the difference in speed is very small or almost negligible.

ever so slightly slower

Highlights the subtlety of the reduction in speed, emphasizing that it is barely perceptible.

barely slower

Emphasizes that the difference in speed is minimal, almost undetectable.

somewhat slower

Indicates a moderate decrease in speed, slightly more than "a touch slower".

just a hair slower

Uses a colloquial expression to indicate a very small degree of slowness.

not quite as fast

Expresses the idea by indicating that something isn't as fast as something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch slower" to describe a slight reduction in speed or pace. For example, "The economy is growing "a touch slower" than expected."

What are some alternatives to "a touch slower"?

Some alternatives to "a touch slower" include "slightly slower", "a bit slower", or "marginally slower". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difference you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a touch slower" in formal writing?

While "a touch slower" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suited for informal or casual writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and objective alternatives like "slightly slower" or "moderately slower".

What's the difference between "a touch slower" and "a touch slow"?

"A touch slower" describes something that is slightly less fast, while "a touch slow" can describe something that's not fast enough or is behind schedule. The first is a comparative, and the second is a general descriptor.