been slower than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been slower than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has taken more time than initially anticipated. Example: "The project has been slower than expected due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Recent data showing that car sales have slowed and value-added industrial production has been slower than expected have created the expectation in some circles that the leadership will again respond with a large stimulus, he said.

The New York Times

Actual implementation has generally been slower than expected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But prosperity has been slower than expected in reaching the black majority.

The New York Times

Prosperity has been slower than expected in reaching the black majority.

The New York Times

Stocks ended higher yesterday after the Labor Department reported that private job growth had been slower than expected last month.

The New York Times

"Sales have been slower than expected," said Olivier Brandicourt, general manager for Pfizer's metabolic and cardiovascular division, which includes Exubera.

The New York Times

Stocks ended higher after the Department of Labor reported that private job growth had been slower than expected last month.

The New York Times

Coach Tom Coughlin sounded as if Toomer's recovery was not complete and had been slower than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Similarly, the Musharraf government underestimated sharp increases in energy consumption, while power-plant construction has been slower than expected.

The New York Times

But her progress since has been slower than expected and she even briefly considered quitting last year.

The Guardian - Sport

Consequently, banks have been slower than expected to put their bad loans on the market and write down their losses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider quantifying the difference between the expected and actual pace. For instance, instead of just saying progress has "been slower than expected", you could say progress is "20% slower than expected".

Common error

Avoid using "been slower than expected" repeatedly in a text without explaining the reasons behind the delay. Provide specific factors or challenges that contributed to the slower pace to maintain reader engagement and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been slower than expected" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that an action or process has not progressed at the anticipated pace. It provides context about the rate of progress compared to initial beliefs or forecasts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been slower than expected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a situation where progress hasn't met initial anticipations. As Ludwig highlights, it appears extensively in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context to enhance clarity and avoid overuse without supporting details. Alternatives such as "fallen behind schedule" or "progressed less rapidly" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallen behind schedule

Focuses on the delay in relation to a set timeline or plan.

progressed less rapidly

Emphasizes the reduced pace of advancement or development.

not advanced as quickly

Highlights the lack of speed in making progress.

taken more time than anticipated

Stresses the increased duration compared to the initial expectation.

developed at a reduced pace

Concentrates on the slower rate of development or evolution.

not materialized as swiftly

Emphasizes the slow speed of something becoming a reality.

unfolded more deliberately

Suggests a slower, more intentional pace.

moved forward at a diminished rate

Highlights the decreased speed of advancement or progression.

not reached the expected velocity

Focuses on the failure to achieve the anticipated speed.

plateaued prematurely

Indicates an unexpected stop or leveling off in progress before the anticipated point.

FAQs

How can I use "been slower than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "been slower than expected" to describe a situation where progress or development is not happening as quickly as anticipated. For example: "Sales have "been slower than expected" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "been slower than expected"?

Some alternatives include "fallen behind schedule", "progressed less rapidly", or "taken more time than anticipated", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "been slower than expected"?

Yes, "been slower than expected" is grammatically correct. It uses the past participle "been" with the comparative adjective "slower" and the past participle "expected" to form a valid phrase.

What's the difference between "been slower than expected" and "slower than predicted"?

"Been slower than expected" implies a general anticipation, while "slower than predicted" suggests a more formal or data-driven forecast that was not met. The choice depends on whether the original estimate was a casual expectation or a formal prediction.