fairly slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

"fairly slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the speed or tempo of an action or event. For example: - She walked fairly slowly down the hallway, her heels clicking on the tiles. - The car in front of us was moving fairly slowly, causing a traffic jam. - The music played fairly slowly, creating a calming atmosphere in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cars go fairly slowly.

The Guardian

Medical practice usually evolves fairly slowly.

Harvard University

For others, this diseases progresses fairly slowly.

Columbia University

"And to begin to add fairly slowly.

The New York Times - Sports

Worse, the screen updates fairly slowly — maybe one frame a second.

The New York Times

It's good to drive, is fairly stylish and should depreciate fairly slowly.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The North Fork sees far fewer summer tourists than the South Fork so that while there is some congestion as you go through the occasional town or inevitably around 5 PM -- rush hour anywhere, even here -- it was fairly easy to drive slowly without a constant stream of people in a hurry behind you.

Huffington Post

Suction your tongue to the roof of your mouth, then open your mouth fairly wide, slowly.

WikiHow

Man finds himself, in the course of several fairly predictable interviews, slowly becoming more attracted to Woman.

The New Yorker

It is fairly soft and slowly tarnishes in air.

Wikipedia

Once established, it tolerates moderate frosts and dry spells and grows fairly readily, albeit slowly, in suitable conditions.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fairly slowly", ensure that the context provides a clear point of reference for the slowness. Consider what the expected pace would be and how "fairly slowly" deviates from that norm.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly slowly" when you mean something is moving at an extremely slow pace. Instead, consider alternatives like "very slowly" or "at a snail's pace" to accurately convey the intended degree of slowness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly slowly" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates the degree of slowness, suggesting a pace that is somewhat slow but not extremely so. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fairly slowly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes an action performed with a moderate degree of slowness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While alternatives like "rather slowly" or "moderately slowly" exist, "fairly slowly" provides a clear and concise way to express a measured pace. The key is to ensure that the context provides a clear point of reference for the slowness, and to avoid overstating the degree of slowness when something is truly moving at an extremely slow pace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rather slowly

Emphasizes a slight degree of slowness, similar to "fairly slowly" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Quite slowly

Implies a noticeable degree of slowness, slightly stronger than "fairly slowly".

Moderately slowly

Uses a more formal adverb to describe the degree of slowness.

Somewhat slowly

Indicates a limited degree of slowness. Synonymous of 'to some degree slowly'.

Gradually

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the slowness, indicating a progressive change over time.

Deliberately slowly

Highlights the intentional nature of the slowness, suggesting a purpose behind the pace.

At a leisurely pace

Emphasizes the relaxed and unhurried nature of the movement.

At a snail's pace

Uses an idiom to describe extreme slowness.

Inch by inch

Focuses on the small increments of movement, highlighting the gradual progression.

With measured steps

Implies a careful and controlled slowness.

FAQs

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

You can use "fairly slowly" to describe the speed or tempo of an action or event. For example, "The car was moving fairly slowly due to the heavy traffic" or "The plant grew fairly slowly over the summer months".

What does "fairly slowly" mean?

"Fairly slowly" means something is happening or moving at a pace that is somewhat slow, but not extremely slow. It indicates a moderate degree of slowness.

What are some alternatives to "fairly slowly"?

Some alternatives to "fairly slowly" include "rather slowly", "quite slowly", or "moderately slowly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "fairly slowly" in formal writing?

Yes, "fairly slowly" is generally acceptable in formal writing. While it's not the most sophisticated phrase, it's grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning. However, in some contexts, more precise alternatives might be preferred.