far too slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far too slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or process that is happening at a pace that is excessively slow. Example: "The project is progressing far too slowly for our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Things are changing, but far too slowly.

Independent

But governments are moving far too slowly.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the euro area's progress is occuring far too slowly.

The Economist

Residents' attitudes are changing far too slowly as well.

The Guardian

At 22 minutes, she had delivered it far too slowly.

The Guardian

Production yield was climbing, but far too slowly.

The Guardian - Tech

Programs to bring lower-level Taliban fighters in from the cold are moving far too slowly.

The New York Times

The scenes of Enid's unhappiness seem underwritten, merely eccentric and dry, and paced far too slowly.

The New Yorker

Some action to tackle global warming is being taken, but far too little, far too slowly.

The Guardian

International health agencies have been accused of responding far too slowly to Ebola.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, for many, adoption of the Nump is happening far too slowly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far too slowly", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured against. For example, "The adoption of renewable energy is progressing "far too slowly" to meet climate goals."

Common error

Avoid using "far too slowly" without a clear reference point for comparison. It should be evident what the action's speed is being compared to, otherwise the statement lacks impact. Provide context such as expected timelines or necessary benchmarks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far too slowly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes how an action is performed, emphasizing that the action's pace is excessively slow. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, indicating its role in qualifying the speed of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far too slowly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that expresses concern or dissatisfaction with the pace of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what the speed is being compared to, avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives such as "excessively slowly" or "much too slowly" can be used to convey similar meanings. By understanding its function and considering these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "far too slowly" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively slowly

Replaces "far too" with "excessively", emphasizing the degree of slowness.

much too slowly

Substitutes "far" with "much", providing a slightly less formal tone.

unacceptably slow

Focuses on the unacceptability of the pace, rather than just the degree of slowness.

terribly slow

A more informal alternative, replacing "far too" with "terribly" to emphasize the slowness.

at a snail's pace

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe the slowness, adding a more descriptive and informal tone.

at a frustratingly slow rate

Adds more detail by specifying "rate" and emphasizing the frustration caused by the slowness.

at a glacial pace

Similar to "at a snail's pace" but evokes a sense of extremely slow, almost imperceptible movement.

agonizingly slow

Replaces the adverbial phrase with a single adjective, highlighting the frustrating aspect of the slowness.

inordinately slow

Uses "inordinately" to indicate an excessive degree of slowness, maintaining a formal tone.

woefully slow

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the speed, suggesting disappointment or regret.

FAQs

What does "far too slowly" mean?

The phrase "far too slowly" means that something is happening at an unacceptably or excessively slow pace. It implies a level of impatience or concern about the lack of progress.

How can I use "far too slowly" in a sentence?

You can use "far too slowly" to describe any process or action that is not progressing quickly enough. For example: "Economic recovery is occurring "far too slowly"."

What are some alternatives to saying "far too slowly"?

Alternatives include "excessively slowly", "much too slowly", or "at a snail's pace". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it ever appropriate to use "too slowly" instead of "far too slowly"?

Yes, "too slowly" can be used, but "far too slowly" emphasizes the degree of slowness more strongly. "Too slowly" simply indicates insufficient speed, while "far too slowly" conveys greater concern or frustration.