it was rather slow

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was rather slow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is progressing at a slower than expected pace. For example, "I started my project last week, but it was rather slow going in the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was rather slow and cumbersome" remembers Zarnecki.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's rather slow moving," Banks said, after a moment, setting off raucous laughter at the table.

The New Yorker

It is rather slow-moving, relying on preventing active counterplay.

The New York Times

It is also noteworthy that the absorption was rather slow, so that mean Cmax was not reached before 3 h.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

She is still inexperienced and was rather slow into her stride today".

The Guardian - Sport

"Our play was rather slow," Marcel Desailly, the frustrated French captain, said.

The New York Times - Sports

SOUTH AFRICA was rather slow to feel the impact of the global economic downturn.

The Economist

"I have to agree with the student union that the response was rather slow," Ms. Ling said.

The New York Times

Results showed that the growth of small trees was rather slow, particularly in the smallest size classes.

Forest Ecosystems

Unexpectedly, the growth rate of P. purpureum was rather slow in F/2 medium and the final biomass concentration obtained was only 2.58 g/L.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Although thin and homogeneous crusts could be removed without yellow discoloration their cleaning rate was rather slow and inefficient, especially on areas with micro-relief.

Heritage Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was rather slow" to describe processes, systems, or developments that are not progressing as quickly as expected. It's suitable for expressing mild disappointment or concern without being overly critical.

Common error

While "rather" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound hesitant or uncertain. In such cases, consider stronger alternatives like "slow" or "sluggish" for a more direct impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was rather slow" functions as a descriptive statement. It qualifies a subject by indicating that its pace or progress is less rapid than expected or desired. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to express a mild degree of slowness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was rather slow" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a moderate lack of speed or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various situations, though it's advisable to consider stronger alternatives in very formal settings. It is predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. Remember to use this phrase when you want to express that something is moving slower than expected without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't particularly fast

Uses a double negative to express the slowness.

it wasn't quick

Simple way of saying something was slow.

its progress was sluggish

Emphasizes the lack of energy or efficiency.

it moved at a snail's pace

Highlights the slowness by comparing it to a snail.

it lagged behind

Implies that something is slower than others.

its tempo was unhurried

Highlights a relaxed and unpressured pace.

it proceeded at a leisurely pace

Emphasizes the lack of urgency.

it inched forward

Implies very slow and hesitant progress.

it crept along

Suggests a very slow and almost imperceptible movement.

it unfolded gradually

Suggests a slow and steady development.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was rather slow" to describe something that is progressing at a slower pace than expected. For example: "The service at the restaurant "it was rather slow" tonight" or "The economic recovery "it was rather slow" after the recession".

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

Some alternatives include "it was quite slow", "it was very slow", or "it was a slow process" depending on the context.

Is "it was rather slow" formal or informal?

"It was rather slow" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more direct alternative.

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

"It was rather slow" suggests a slightly milder degree of slowness compared to ""it was very slow"". "Rather" implies a degree of slowness that is noticeable but not necessarily extreme.