least quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least quick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is the slowest or least fast among a group or options. Example: "Out of all the runners, she was the least quick, finishing the race last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Was it at least quick?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As giant missteps go, Apple's stumble was at least quick, and somewhat gracefully caught.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though acting nominations may not feature a single non-white face, the institution was, in the least, quick to respond to criticism and push forward with change; announcing plans to double female and minority memberships by 2020.

Independent

To give him a little credit, Gervais was at least quick to capitalise on the breaking news that Sean Penn's interview with El Chapo had led to his arrest.

Independent

Meanwhile, it's worth looking to the world of independent cinema, which may not be fast, either (there's often a long delay from completion to festival screenings to acquisition to release), but is at least quick on the draw.

The New Yorker

Still, with Mr. Kerry set to arrive here on Thursday — his fourth visit to Israel and the West Bank in eight weeks — Israeli and Palestinian officials were at least quick to express their mutual support for his efforts while maintaining discretion about the details of his talks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Well, at least quicker than the neighbor's house that is full of clutter.

The New York Times

Clearly, investors are interested in quick profits — or at least quicker profits than their domestic portfolios can deliver.

The New York Times

Or, as the academics put it, "positive stories generally indicate the end of superior performance and negative news generally indicates the end of poor performance".You could see this as proof that markets are generally pretty efficient, or at least quicker on the uptake than the average hack.

The Economist

Even if rush hour congestion in London tends to make any form of street-level road-based transport one of the least quickest, least smart ways to get around (biking excepted).

TechCrunch

However, they recognize the system is not perfect, and sometimes money can buy superior medical care or at least quicker access.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least quick" when comparing multiple options and emphasizing the one with the lowest speed relative to the others.

Common error

Avoid using "least quick" in informal settings; simpler terms like "slowest" or "not very fast" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least quick" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the lowest degree of speed among a group. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in comparing the responsiveness or speed of different entities or processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least quick" is a grammatically sound way to denote the lowest degree of speed in a comparative context. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's primarily used in news and media. While correct, remember that simpler alternatives like "slowest" or "not very fast" might be more appropriate in informal conversations. When analyzing options and needing to highlight the one lacking in speed, "least quick" can be effective, though slightly formal. Consider context to ensure clarity and audience resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowest

Direct synonym indicating the lowest speed.

the slowest

Superlative form of slow, emphasizing the lowest speed.

not very fast

Simple and direct way to express lack of speed.

slow-moving

Describes something with a low rate of movement.

not the fastest

Indirect way of saying something is slow by negating its speed.

unhurried

Implies a lack of urgency, hence slow pace.

leisurely

Suggests a relaxed and slow pace.

pokey

Informal term for slow.

lagging

Describes falling behind in terms of speed.

plodding

Suggests a slow and heavy pace.

FAQs

What does "least quick" mean?

The phrase "least quick" describes something that is the slowest or has the lowest speed compared to others. It's a way of indicating the minimum level of speed among a group.

When is it appropriate to use "least quick" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize that something is the slowest option in a set, especially in a formal or analytical context. Consider using alternatives like "slowest" or "not very fast" in less formal settings.

What are some alternatives to "least quick"?

You can use alternatives like "slowest", "not very fast", or "slow-moving" depending on the context.

Is "least quick" commonly used in everyday conversation?

No, "least quick" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "slowest" or "not very fast" are more typical in informal contexts.