ever so slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever so slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a movement that is very slow and can be used at any point in a sentence. For example: "The turtle plodded ever so slowly down the path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ever so slowly, the smile spread across my face.

The New York Times

Ever so slowly, a city kid started to change.

The New York Times

But that may be changing, if ever so slowly.

The New York Times

Ever so slowly, the brain is yielding its secrets.

The Guardian

Ever so slowly, the secret is getting out.

The New York Times

This is a handsome plant that spreads ever so slowly.

The New York Times

Started at his right and panned ever so slowly around the room.

The New Yorker

"Even though it's ever so slowly, the stigma is being lessened around mental health," Holmes said.

The New York Times - Sports

To whet appetites, the studio has been ever so slowly reeling out snippets of the dress.

The New York Times

"We are moving ever so slowly in the right direction," Mrs. d'Allessandro said.

The New York Times

We learn how knowledge spread ever so slowly in a pivotal age.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so slowly" to emphasize a gradual process or movement, adding a touch of elegance and precision to your writing. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to create a sense of anticipation or highlight the delicate nature of a change.

Common error

Avoid using "ever so slowly" excessively in scenes that require a sense of urgency or excitement. The phrase's deliberate slowness can disrupt the pacing and detract from the intended effect. Instead, opt for more dynamic descriptions that convey speed and action.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "ever so slowly" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As evidenced by Ludwig, it emphasizes the gradual and deliberate nature of the action, highlighting its slowness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever so slowly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the gradual nature of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure its effective use, be mindful of the overall tone and pace of your writing, avoiding overuse in scenarios requiring speed or urgency. Explore alternatives such as "very gradually" or "at a snail's pace" to add variety and precision to your expression. "Ever so slowly" is a stylistic choice that adds sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the change, emphasizing the lack of suddenness.

at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to highlight the extreme slowness, often implying frustration.

inch by inch

Emphasizes the small increments of progress, suitable for describing difficult advancements.

bit by bit

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the process, focusing on accumulation of small parts.

little by little

Similar to "bit by bit" but can also suggest a sense of inevitability or natural progression.

at a measured pace

Suggests deliberate slowness, implying control and intention.

in slow motion

Implies a stretched-out perception of time, as if watching something slowed down artificially.

leisurely

Conveys a sense of relaxation and lack of urgency, often applied to enjoyable activities.

creepingly

Suggests a stealthy and often unsettling slowness, implying something unwanted or dangerous.

gradually but surely

Emphasizes both the slowness and the certainty of progress, adding a sense of reassurance.

FAQs

How can I use "ever so slowly" in a sentence?

The phrase "ever so slowly" is an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. For example: "The flower opened "ever so slowly" in the morning light."

What are some alternatives to "ever so slowly"?

Alternatives include "very gradually", "at a snail's pace", or "little by little". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever so slowly" formal or informal?

The phrase "ever so slowly" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. While it adds a touch of elegance, it is widely understood and accepted in various types of writing and speech. Its register is generally considered neutral.

What's the effect of using "ever so slowly" in writing?

Using "ever so slowly" emphasizes the gradual and delicate nature of an action or process. It can create a sense of anticipation, highlight the small increments of change, and add a touch of elegance to your writing.