less fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"less fast" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare the speed of something to something else, with the first thing being slower than the second. Example: "The tortoise moved less fast than the hare, but still managed to win the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'll try to type fast, and think slightly less fast.

The New Yorker

But China, while still growing, is growing less fast.

The New York Times

Labour doesn't promise a great Keynesian spending splurge either, just cuts less fast, less steep.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a continent we are slipping behind, growing less fast than the rest of the world.

The Economist

Typically, vehicle charging in the 30-minutes or less fast mode occurs during hours of peak power demand.

Harvard University

In its underlying political instincts, England often changes less fast than commentators hungry for historic turning points like to think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

AS parents and doctors around the country try to combat childhood obesity and encourage less fast-food consumption, a quiet revolution seems to be underway.

The New York Times

Solar Sky (1.20) had struggled to win his maiden, but was none the less fast-tracked to Ascot and travelled beautifully through the race, pulling well clear with the winner.

Independent

That has led to many of them either disappearing quietly, or retreating into a quiet but less fast-paced growth, or getting gobbled up.

TechCrunch

Once they start, can they be put out? Less fast-moving fires can be fought by "direct attack" - ground troops with hoses - but more dangerous situations have to be fought with strategic techniques like "back-burning" land ahead of an advancing fire, to starve it of fuel when it arrives.

BBC

Despite the current trend in which oligo array-CGH is gradually replacing BAC array-CGH because of its flexibility (clone-less, fast and custom print-on-demand, and probably the most powerful advantage of assessing copy number and allele information simultaneously), it seems that BAC arrays will remain important for profiling DNA from formalin-fixed material.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates of change, use "less fast" to clearly indicate a deceleration or slower progression compared to a previous state or another entity.

Common error

Avoid using "less fast" to imply a reversal or negative progression. "Less fast" simply means slower; it doesn't mean going backward or stopping entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less fast" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a comparative degree of speed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe that something is happening at a reduced velocity or pace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less fast" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is utilized to express that something is occurring at a reduced speed or pace, frequently in comparison to a previous state or another entity. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Alternatives include "more slowly" and "at a slower pace". A key writing tip is to use "less fast" to indicate a deceleration, while avoiding its use to suggest a reversal or negative progression. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying nuanced reductions in speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more slowly

Emphasizes the gradual reduction in speed rather than a direct comparison.

at a slower pace

Highlights the rate at which something is done, suggesting a reduced tempo.

not as quickly

Directly contrasts the speed, indicating a lower level of swiftness.

less rapidly

A more formal alternative, denoting a decrease in the rate of action or movement.

with reduced speed

Focuses on the diminished velocity of the action or object.

at a decreased rate

Emphasizes the reduced frequency or speed at which something occurs.

in a more leisurely way

Implies a relaxed and unhurried approach, moving away from urgency.

more deliberately

Suggests a conscious and careful reduction in speed, prioritizing precision.

with less haste

Focuses on the absence of urgency or rush in the action.

at a more moderate tempo

Emphasizes the balanced and controlled nature of the slower pace.

FAQs

How can I use "less fast" in a sentence?

Use "less fast" to compare the speed of something relative to something else or to its previous speed. For example, "The economy is growing "less fast" this quarter than last quarter".

What are some alternatives to saying "less fast"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "more slowly", "at a slower pace", or "not as quickly".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less fast"?

Yes, "less fast" is grammatically correct. It is used to indicate a reduction in speed or pace.

What's the difference between "less fast" and "slower"?

"Slower" is a direct comparison implying a lower speed, while "less fast" implies a reduction in a previously higher speed. Both are similar, but "less fast" emphasizes the change in speed rather than a static state.