is slower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is slower than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of two subjects, indicating that one is at a lower speed than the other. Example: "The new model of the car is slower than the previous version, which may affect its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But hardware is slower than software.

The New Yorker

It is slower than a military assault.

The New York Times

It is slower than Call of Duty.

The New York Times - Tech

The district hiring process is slower than last year.

The New York Times

"The process is slower than I would like.

Independent

The inward calcium current is slower than the sodium current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pace is slower than the 1.1 percent rate of decline reported last month.

The New York Times

Van Rompuy said: "Global and european recovery is slower than expected.

The Guardian

New Orleans, as a result, is slower than it otherwise would be to rebuild.

The New York Times

That's still strong, but it is slower than the second quarter growth of 14percentt.

The New York Times

STILL IN PROGRESS Updating civil service IT: progress is "slower than we would like".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing speeds, ensure that the units of measurement are consistent (e.g., miles per hour, words per minute) for accurate comparison. For example, "The new internet connection is slower than the previous one, resulting in slower download times."

Common error

Avoid using the wrong tense when making comparisons. For example, instead of saying "The old computer is slower than the new one was", use "The old computer is slower than the new one is" or "The old computer was slower than the new one is now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slower than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to compare the speed or rate of two different subjects, indicating that one operates at a reduced velocity compared to the other, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is slower than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to indicate that one subject operates at a lower speed or rate compared to another. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While simple and direct, it's crucial to maintain consistency in units and avoid tense errors when using this phrase. According to Ludwig AI, several alternatives exist, such as "is not as fast as" or "lags behind", which can be used to add variety to your writing while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as fast as

Employs a more common and direct comparison using "fast" instead of "slower".

takes longer than

A simpler and more direct way of saying that something requires more time.

is less rapid than

Replaces "slower" with a more formal synonym, "rapid", and uses "less" to indicate the comparative degree.

is outpaced by

Uses a passive voice to show that something is moving at a slower rate than something else.

lags behind

Uses a verb phrase to convey the idea of being slower or less advanced.

cannot keep pace with

Indicates an inability to maintain the same speed or rate as something else.

is not up to speed with

Implies a lack of progress or a delay in reaching a certain level or speed.

is more time-consuming than

Shifts the focus from speed to the amount of time required, indicating a slower process.

proceeds at a reduced rate compared to

A more formal and technical way to describe a slower pace or speed.

is less advanced than

Indicates being slower in progress, but is less explicit about the speed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is slower than" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is less rapid than", "lags behind", or "proceeds at a reduced rate compared to".

What's a simpler way to say "is slower than"?

You can use simpler alternatives such as "is not as fast as" or "takes longer than".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "is slower than"?

The phrase "is slower than" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from describing technological performance to comparing biological processes. It's important to ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to the topic.

Is there a difference in meaning between "is slower than" and "is less efficient than"?

While both phrases indicate a negative comparison, "is slower than" specifically refers to speed or rate, while "is less efficient than" refers to the ratio of output to input. They are not always interchangeable.