but slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening at a gradual pace or rate. Example: "I want to improve my skills, but slowly, so I can ensure I fully understand each concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But slowly.

The Economist

But slowly they settled.

Independent

But slowly recovery will come.

The Economist

Behaviour is changing, but slowly.

The Economist

PRACTICE made perfect, but slowly.

The New York Times

Attitudes are changing, but slowly.

The Guardian

But slowly, his audience collected.

The Guardian

But slowly that is changing.

The New York Times

But slowly I'm coming back".

The Guardian - Books

But parliament moves but slowly".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It will happen – but slowly.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but slowly" to introduce a contrasting idea that develops gradually, adding nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but slowly" multiple times in the same paragraph. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "gradually", "in due course", or "over time" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but slowly" acts as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a contrast while emphasizing the gradual pace of the action or state described in the second clause. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but slowly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunctive adverbial phrase that introduces a contrasting element unfolding gradually. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively qualifies statements by highlighting the gradual pace of change or progress. While the phrase is common, it's important to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "gradually" or "over time" to avoid redundancy and maintain stylistic variation. "But slowly" is a powerful tool for adding nuance and precision to your writing when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually

This adverb emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the process.

little by little

This phrase indicates very small increments of progress.

incrementally

Focuses on the steady, measured increases over time.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate time, without rushing.

over time

Highlights the role of time as a factor in the progression.

in a measured way

Emphasizes a deliberate and controlled pace.

at a snail's pace

This idiom indicates a very slow and almost imperceptible rate of progress.

by degrees

Implies a progression through a series of small steps or stages.

bit by bit

Similar to "little by little", emphasizing the small, individual contributions to the overall progress.

eventually

Highlights the final outcome, even if it takes a considerable amount of time.

FAQs

How can I use "but slowly" in a sentence?

You can use "but slowly" to indicate a gradual change or development. For example, "The economy was recovering, "but slowly"." This shows that the recovery was happening, but not quickly.

What are some alternatives to "but slowly"?

Alternatives include "gradually", "little by little", "over time", and "in due course". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but slowly"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged in formal writing, it's generally acceptable in modern usage, especially when followed by "slowly" to introduce a contrast or qualification. The key is to use it sparingly and ensure it enhances clarity.

How does "but slowly" differ from "but surely"?

"But slowly" emphasizes the pace of progress, while "but surely" emphasizes the certainty of the outcome, even if it takes time. For example, "He was improving, "but slowly"" suggests gradual improvement. "He was improving, "but surely"" suggests a definite, albeit slow, path to recovery.