it was slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was 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 slow to load any pages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was slow and almost eerie in its beauty.

The New Yorker

It was slow motion.

The New York Times - Arts

But it was slow.

The New York Times

"It was slow".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was slow at first.

The New York Times

But it was slow going.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

For Suzan Cruz, it was "slow-motion suicide.

Huffington Post

But it's slow.

The New York Times

"It's slow, deliberate".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is slow.

The New York Times

It's slow going.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or process, use "it was slow" to clearly indicate a lack of speed or progress. This is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "it was slow" when you actually mean something was inactive or not happening at all. "Slow" implies movement or progress, albeit at a reduced rate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was slow" typically functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the pace or rate at which something occurred or progressed. Ludwig confirms this aligns with common usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was slow" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that lacks speed or progresses gradually. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's broad usability across varied contexts, primarily within news and media. When using this phrase, consider whether it accurately reflects the intended meaning and whether alternative phrasing might be more appropriate for the specific situation. Common errors include using "slow" when "inactive" is more accurate. Remember, the phrase's function is to describe the speed of something, not its complete absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it progressed slowly

Focuses on the gradual advancement or movement with a slow pace.

it was a gradual process

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature and unhurried tempo of an evolution or development.

it was not fast

States simply that the thing in question did not display a fast rate.

it moved at a snail's pace

Uses a simile to highlight the extreme slowness of something.

it was a lengthy process

Highlights the extended duration rather than the rate of movement.

it took its time

Focuses on the absence of urgency and the relaxed approach involved.

it crawled along

Illustrates painfully slow motion or very limited achievement.

it was time-consuming

Centers on the aspect of requiring a lot of duration to be completed.

it was an unhurried affair

Highlights the composed and unstressed nature of a given undertaking.

it was like wading through treacle

Uses a simile to convey the sense of struggling through something viscous and slow.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was slow" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it progressed slowly" or "the pace was gradual" depending on the context.

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

"It was slow" implies a lack of speed in an ongoing process. "It was delayed" indicates that something was postponed or held back from starting or continuing.

Is it better to say "it was slow" or "it was a slow process"?

Both are grammatically correct. "It was slow" is simpler and more direct. "It was a slow process" emphasizes the nature of the activity as being slow.

Can "it was slow" be used to describe a person?

Yes, but it can be perceived as insensitive. Consider alternatives like "they were thoughtful" or "they were deliberate" for a more polite description.