decelerate him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decelerate him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the action of slowing someone down, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "In order to avoid a collision, the driver had to decelerate him before he reached the intersection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When that inventory restocking slows, growth will decelerate, he said.

The New York Times

With 50 meters to go, Guerrouj was past him, and surprisingly able to decelerate across the finish line, two-tenths of a second ahead of Bekele.

The New York Times - Sports

A manager failing to consider the possible outcome of following a cost-minimizing strategy may find himself with few competitive options once he reaches the point where decelerating volume expansion prevents him from obtaining further significant cost reduction.

Harvard Business Review

Bolt's height allows him to hold speed for longer and decelerate at a slower rate than a shorter sprinter.

The Guardian - Sport

The car immediately behind the lane-changer has to decelerate dramatically — not just to the speed of the car in front of him, but slow enough to create a safe driving distance between them.

The Washington Post

Instead, decelerate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe you should decelerate, too.

The New York Times

(We hear the engines start to decelerate).

The New Yorker

"Manufacturing continues to soften and decelerate.

The New York Times

"With the economy softening, the inflation pressure will decelerate further.

The New York Times

As the plane lost altitude, it continued to decelerate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decelerate him", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal decrease in speed or a metaphorical slowing of progress. Clarity is crucial, as "decelerate" is less common than alternatives like "slow down".

Common error

Avoid using "decelerate him" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "slow him down" are generally more appropriate and natural-sounding for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decelerate him" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "decelerate" is the verb and "him" is the direct object. It indicates the action of reducing the speed or momentum of the person referred to by "him", according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decelerate him" is grammatically sound but not very common. It means to slow someone down, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it appears mostly in news and media, simpler alternatives often work better in informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slow him down

Uses a more common and direct synonym for "decelerate".

Decelerate his pace

Replaces the pronoun with a noun but maintains the literal meaning.

Reduce his speed

Focuses on the physical act of decreasing velocity.

Diminish his velocity

Uses more formal vocabulary while conveying the same core concept of speed reduction.

Hinder his progress

Shifts from literal speed to metaphorical progress.

Impede his advance

Similar to hindering, but with a slightly more formal tone.

Curb his momentum

Emphasizes stopping a trend or force.

Hold him back

A more general term for preventing someone from moving forward.

Restrain him

Suggests a forceful prevention of movement or action.

Put a brake on him

Idiomatic expression for slowing down or stopping something.

FAQs

How can I use "decelerate him" in a sentence?

You can use "decelerate him" when referring to slowing down someone's speed or progress. For example, "The sensors recognize when the rider is decelerating faster than the brakes can slow "him"."

What's a simpler way to say "decelerate him"?

A simpler and more common alternative to "decelerate him" is "slow him down". Consider using the simpler phrase in informal contexts.

Is "decelerate him" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "decelerate him" may sound slightly awkward in formal writing. Consider more precise or common alternatives like "reduce his speed" or "impede his advance" depending on the specific meaning.

What's the difference between "decelerate him" and "stop him"?

"Decelerate him" implies a gradual reduction in speed or progress, whereas "stop him" suggests an abrupt halt. The choice depends on whether you want to convey a slowing down or a complete cessation of movement or progress.