lack of pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is insufficient speed or momentum, often in contexts like sports, projects, or discussions. Example: "The team's lack of pace in the second half allowed the opponents to take control of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pace of play, or the lack of pace, makes the Open mentally taxing.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately a general lack of pace limits such options.

The Guardian - Sport

Weak links A distinct lack of pace at the back.

The Guardian - Sport

This might have exposed Butcher's lack of pace.

The Guardian - Sport

His clever passing and indefatigable work rate compensate for his lack of pace.

The New York Times - Sports

But even in races at this distance, his lack of pace makes him vulnerable.

The Guardian - Sport

In central defence, Per Mertesacker paid for his lack of pace with his place.

The Guardian - Sport

Julian Fellowes is actually able to slow time with his unique lack of pace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hamilton – and Mercedes – blamed his lack of pace on exceptionally careful tyre management.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had a little bit of a lack of pace today".

The New York Times - Sports

There's an absence of fun here, and for what is ultimately a chase movie, a severe lack of pace.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sports team's performance, use "lack of pace" to highlight their inability to move quickly or react swiftly. For example: "The team's "lack of pace" in defense allowed the opposing team to score easily."

Common error

Avoid limiting the use of "lack of pace" solely to physical speed. It can also refer to the momentum or speed of progress in a project or discussion. Consider: "The "lack of pace" in decision-making is delaying the project's completion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of pace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a deficiency or absence of speed, momentum, or progress. Ludwig examples show diverse application across contexts like sports, projects and personal performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of pace" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe deficiencies in speed, momentum, or progress across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember that it can refer not only to physical speed but also to the rate of progress in projects or discussions. Alternatives like "slow speed" or "insufficient momentum" may be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slow speed

Focuses on the measurable attribute of slowness.

absence of speed

A more formal way of stating the lack of velocity.

sluggishness

Implies a lack of energy or vitality contributing to the slowness.

insufficient momentum

Highlights the lack of driving force or impetus.

slow tempo

Applicable when discussing rhythm or rate of progress.

slow rate of progress

Focuses on the rate at which something advances.

retarded progress

Emphasizes that something is delayed in progressing.

deficient velocity

A technical and less common way of expressing insufficient speed.

lethargy

Implies inactivity and reduced performance.

moderate velocity

Indicates velocity that is neither high nor low but in the middle.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of pace" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of pace" to describe a deficiency in speed or progress in various contexts. For example, "The project suffered from a "lack of pace" due to unforeseen delays", or "The team's "lack of pace" was evident in their slow reaction times".

What are some alternatives to "lack of pace"?

Alternatives include "slow speed", "sluggishness", or "insufficient momentum", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a pace lack" instead of "lack of pace"?

No, "a pace lack" is not grammatically correct or commonly used. The correct and standard phrase is "lack of pace".

What's the difference between "lack of pace" and "lack of speed"?

While similar, "lack of pace" can sometimes imply a broader sense of momentum or progress, whereas "lack of speed" refers more directly to the rate at which something moves. For example, you might say a negotiation has a "lack of pace" even if no physical speed is involved, which would be different from just saying it had a "lack of speed".