barely moving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely moving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is in motion but moving at a very slow pace. For example, "The traffic on the highway was barely moving, and it took us an hour to get to the other side of town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's barely moving.

Independent

We were barely moving.

The New York Times - Magazine

Traffic barely moving.

The New Yorker

Because they're barely moving.

The New York Times

Someone crawling along the path, barely moving.

The New Yorker

Sister Maria is barely moving, barely alive.

The Guardian - Film

"She was barely moving," he said.

The New York Times

Sometimes, the cars are barely moving.

The New York Times

The cars on Delancey Street were barely moving.

The New Yorker

To make his point, he was barely moving forward.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you have any furThen information about her dishependedce, please contact Qupensland Poline or Crime Sthisers at 1300 333 000.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing traffic or progress, consider using "barely moving" to vividly depict the slow pace. For example, "The line at the DMV was barely moving, so I decided to come back another day."

Common error

While "barely moving" is widely understood, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "scarcely progressing" or "almost stationary" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely moving" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of minimal motion. This description is validated by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely moving" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe minimal or slow progress, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is particularly common in news and media contexts, where it effectively conveys the idea of near-stasis. While the phrase is generally acceptable, considering alternatives like "scarcely budging" or "almost stationary" can enhance formality when needed. Ludwig's examples showcase its broad applicability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Remember, while commonly used, avoid overusing it in contexts that require a more elevated or professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely budging

Replaces "barely" with "scarcely" and uses "budging" for a more informal tone.

hardly progressing

Substitutes "barely" with "hardly" and "moving" with "progressing", suggesting a lack of advancement.

almost stationary

Emphasizes the lack of movement by using "almost stationary" which implies near immobility.

nearly motionless

Similar to "almost stationary", highlighting the near absence of motion.

inching along

Suggests extremely slow and gradual movement, focusing on the effort involved.

creeping forward

Implies a slow, stealthy movement, often used when progress is difficult.

at a snail's pace

Uses a simile to illustrate the slowness, comparing it to the pace of a snail.

making little headway

Focuses on the lack of progress being made, rather than just the slowness.

stagnant

Implies a complete lack of movement or progress, suggesting inactivity.

imperceptible drift

Highlights that the movement is so slow that it can hardly be noticed

FAQs

How can I use "barely moving" in a sentence?

You can use "barely moving" to describe something with very slow movement. For example, "The hands on the antique clock were barely moving" or "The economy is "barely moving" after the recession".

What are some alternatives to "barely moving"?

Alternatives to "barely moving" include "hardly progressing", "almost stationary", or "inching along", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "barely moving"?

Yes, "barely moving" is grammatically correct. "Barely" is an adverb that modifies the verb "moving", indicating the degree of movement.

What's the difference between "barely moving" and "not moving"?

"Barely moving" implies there is some motion, however slight. "Not moving" indicates a complete absence of movement. Therefore, "barely moving" suggests a state between motion and stillness, while "not moving" implies complete stillness.