it was quite slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was quite slow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that occurred at a slow pace or took a long time to happen. Example: "The internet connection was unreliable, and it was quite slow during the video call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was quite slow to get started but the last few chapters were full of plot twists.

The Guardian

It was quite slow to begin with, and hard to slip into, and the writing was repetitive with some of the sentences and phrases.

The Guardian

"It was quite slow and had a bit of turn in it.

BBC

The start was very windy on the court and cold, so it was quite slow conditions.

BBC

As the system was new to them, some teachers found it difficult to control and it was quite slow and painstaking for them to write complete words on the screen in order to avoid broken strokes and incomplete characters.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

"It was still a very white wicket this morning - it didn't do a huge amount, it was quite slow and quickened up throughout the day," the 25-year-old said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The thing is: I was quite slow when I was younger.

The Guardian - Music

Lap 10/67: Some drivers are talking about tyres overheating, while at the front it's quite slow.

The Guardian - Sport

However, one thing that I noticed with this book is that it's quite slow to start with.

The Guardian

This is for the Twitter crawler I talked about in Lecture 1 (the one that technically runs in O(1) time, even though it's quite slow).

Stanford University

Catriona Luff 42, occupational therapist It's quite slow and dour and the first part was a bit repetitive but I found it relaxing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or activity, consider whether "it was quite slow" accurately reflects the pace and impact on the overall outcome. Use more descriptive language if the slowness significantly affected the result.

Common error

While "it was quite slow" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language like "the reaction rate was diminished" or "the data processing speed was suboptimal" for a more impactful and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was quite slow" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the pace or speed of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It's primarily used to convey that an event or process occurred at a less-than-ideal speed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was quite slow" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe the pace of an event or process. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context and audience when using it. In more formal or scientific settings, more precise language might be preferred. The phrase is most frequently found in news, scientific and academic contexts, where it serves to inform about the speed of something. When aiming for clarity and impact, evaluate whether more specific terminology would enhance the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it progressed slowly

Focuses on the gradual progress of something, emphasizing the slow pace.

it was rather sluggish

Uses a more informal term to describe the lack of speed or energy.

it had a slow pace

Highlights the tempo or rhythm, indicating a lack of swiftness.

it took its time

Suggests something was not rushed and allowed to develop at its own pace.

it unfolded gradually

Emphasizes the step-by-step revealing of something over time.

it was unhurried

Highlights the absence of rush or urgency in the process or action.

it crawled along

Emphasizes the perception of movement happening at an extremely slow rate.

it developed at a snail's pace

Uses an idiom to convey extreme slowness.

it inched forward

Implies a very minimal amount of progress being made with difficulty.

it was a lengthy process

Shifts the focus from speed to the duration of the event or action.

FAQs

How can I use "it was quite slow" in a sentence?

You can use "it was quite slow" to describe the pace of an event or process. For instance, "The internet connection was unreliable, and "it was quite slow" during the video call".

What are some alternatives to "it was quite slow"?

Alternatives include "it progressed slowly", "it was rather sluggish", or "it unfolded gradually". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was quite slow" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was quite slow" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and professional language like "the process was protracted" or "the speed was suboptimal".

What's the difference between "it was quite slow" and "it was very slow"?

"It was very slow" emphasizes the degree of slowness more strongly than "it was quite slow". "Quite" can sometimes imply a moderate level, while "very" indicates a higher degree of slowness.