glacial pace

USAGE SUMMARY

'glacial pace' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to express that something is progressing very slowly. For example, "The trial proceedings have been moving at a glacial pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The queue moved at a glacial pace.

The Economist

Reconstruction moves at a glacial pace.

The Washington Post

Her past unfolded at a glacial pace.

The New York Times

Of course, never underestimate the glacial pace of the inevitable.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's a fairly glacial pace of progress".

Independent

At times the game moved at a glacial pace.

The New York Times - Sports

Our culture is stubborn; it changes at a glacial pace.

The New Yorker

Glacial pace, in Alaska, no longer means slow.

The New York Times - Travel

Sometimes cultural shifts rumble at a glacial pace.

The New York Times - Style

India's defense procurement typically moves at a glacial pace.

The Washington Post

Policy unfolds at a more glacial pace than politics.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glacial pace" when you want to emphasize that progress is exceptionally slow, especially when you find the pace frustrating or unacceptable. For example, "The regulatory approvals are proceeding at a glacial pace, delaying the project significantly."

Common error

Avoid using "glacial pace" in neutral contexts where simple slowness is described without negative implication. It's generally reserved for scenarios where the slow speed is problematic or noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glacial pace" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to describe the speed or rate at which an action or process occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glacial pace" is a frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes exceptionally slow progress, often implying frustration or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly within news, business, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "snail's pace" and "leisurely tempo" exist, "glacial pace" offers a specific connotation of problematic slowness. Therefore, it should be used judiciously to convey that a particular pace is notably and perhaps unacceptably slow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snail's pace

Emphasizes extreme slowness, similar to how a snail moves.

gradual rate

Focuses on the step-by-step and incremental nature of the advancement.

leisurely tempo

Highlights the unhurried and relaxed nature of the progress.

creeping speed

Emphasizes the barely perceptible movement of something.

tedious crawl

Conveys the slowness and also the wearisome or monotonous nature of the progress.

measured advance

Suggests a controlled and careful rate of progress.

deliberate slowness

Highlights the intentional and unhurried progression.

dawdling progress

Implies a lack of urgency and a leisurely approach.

languid rhythm

Highlights a slow and relaxed pace, often with a lack of energy.

dragging feet

Suggests reluctance and unwillingness to move forward quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "glacial pace" in a sentence?

You can use "glacial pace" to describe the slow speed of progress, such as "The investigation moved at a "glacial pace", frustrating the families involved."

What's a similar phrase to "glacial pace"?

Alternatives to "glacial pace" include phrases like "snail's pace", "leisurely tempo", or "gradual rate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "glacial pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "glacial pace" is appropriate for formal writing when describing slow or delayed progress in a critical or analytical context. Its usage is widespread across reputable news sources and academic publications.

What does "glacial pace" imply about the situation?

"Glacial pace" suggests that something is progressing very slowly, often implying that the slowness is undesirable or problematic. It's not simply about describing something as slow, but rather highlighting the frustration or concern associated with that slowness.