at reduced speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at reduced speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is moving slower than usual, often in contexts related to vehicles or machinery. Example: "The train was operating at reduced speed due to maintenance work on the tracks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Its Airport Express line shut down for safety reasons and reopened recently at reduced speed.

The New York Times

British Transport Police were at Morden South overground station, adjacent to the mosque, where trains were running at reduced speed and passing through the station without stopping.

Independent

In this paper it is shown that a newly developed and highly successful technique which uses the state-dependent Riccati equation method for controlling the stand-alone process also has a similar potential when applied in the continuous case, where the weld passage occurs at reduced speed and the product characteristics change quickly on the fly.

Control Engineering Practice

He's going at reduced speed and weaving a little.

BBC

The line between Birmingham International and Coventry has reopened but trains are running at reduced speed.

BBC

Figure 11 depicts a restricted speed region between location 3,501 and 3,700 where the trains are required to run at reduced speed of 10.0 m/s.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Service resumed midmorning, but trains were running at reduced speeds while investigators were at the scene.

The Washington Post

The trains could now start running again but were required to move at reduced speeds in the vicinity of the station.

The New York Times - Magazine

In November, trains were running at reduced speeds because morning dew on heavier-than-normal leaf buildup was causing slippery tracks.

The Washington Post

He said the high winds forecast meant that trains would be running at reduced speeds in Cornwall, Devon, parts of Wales, and in the Preston area of Lancashire.

BBC

"We flew home over the whole of Germany on one engine at just 7,000 feet at a reduced speed," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific speed restrictions, quantify the reduction. For example, instead of "at reduced speed", specify "at a reduced speed of 20 mph".

Common error

Avoid using "at reduced speed" in contexts where a more descriptive or precise term is necessary. For instance, in legal or technical documents, it is better to specify the exact speed rather than using this general phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at reduced speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it specifies how something moves or operates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at reduced speed" serves as an adverbial modifier, indicating a slower than usual pace. It's grammatically correct, commonly used across various domains, and particularly prevalent in news, scientific and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to quantify the speed reduction for greater clarity. As per Ludwig, it's a widely used expression conveying a specific meaning in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undefined

A more general way of saying something is not moving fast.

at a slower pace

Emphasizes the gentler or more leisurely aspect of the reduced speed.

at decreased velocity

Uses more technical terminology, suitable for scientific contexts.

at a diminished rate

Highlights the reduction in the rate of progress or action.

at a moderated tempo

Suggests deliberate adjustment for smooth performance

at a curtailed tempo

Implies a deliberate shortening or restriction of the speed or pace.

with reduced momentum

Focuses on the loss of forward driving force.

with limited thrust

More technical, usually applied to vehicles, machinery and science.

in slow motion

Suggests an extremely reduced speed, often for effect or observation.

at a snail's pace

Emphasizes extreme slowness.

FAQs

How can I use "at reduced speed" in a sentence?

You can use "at reduced speed" to describe the motion of vehicles or processes operating slower than usual, such as, "The train traveled "at reduced speed" due to icy conditions."

What are some alternatives to "at reduced speed"?

Consider using alternatives like "at a slower pace", "more slowly", or "at decreased velocity" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "at reduced speed" or "at a reduced speed"?

Both phrases are correct and widely used. "At reduced speed" is more concise, while "at a reduced speed" provides slightly more emphasis on the reduction. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What does it mean when something is moving "at reduced speed"?

It means that the object or process is moving or operating at a pace slower than its normal or maximum capability. This can be due to various factors, such as safety concerns, mechanical issues, or specific operational requirements.