less rapid than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less rapid than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of two or more things, indicating that one is slower than the other. Example: "The train is less rapid than the airplane, making it a slower option for long-distance travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Her production is less rapid than Jonathan Kent's revelatory Ivanov at the Almeida, less visceral than Andrews's Three Sisters.

The Guardian

China's annual growth rate in the third quarter, while a little less rapid than the 11.9percentt of the second quarter, keeps the country well ahead of its two leading rivals among high-growth Asian nations, India and Vietnam.

The New York Times

In Japan "industry and employment are on the verge of collapse," lamented Akio Toyoda, boss of Toyota, a huge carmaker, in May.Industrial decline in Japan has been much less rapid than in some other rich countries.

The Economist

However, the degradation of the PDR of AODV-R is less rapid than that of AODV.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Furthermore, our observations indicate that ingress of ʻaʻā into a building through small openings is much less rapid than ingress of pāhoehoe through openings of similar size.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

However, this target was not reached because federal ARRA American Recoveryy and Reinvestment Act) funding for the study was time limited and accrual was less rapid than expected.

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Unemployment is still going up, but at a far less rapid rate than it was six, or even three, months ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among these other factors they list more cost-sharing by patients, less rapid development than was seen in the 1980s and 1990s of expensive new medical technology, including pharmaceutical products, and greater efficiency in the delivery of health care in response to downward pressure on revenue growth (in this connection, see also a paper by Kenneth Kaufman and Mark Grube).

The New York Times

The country's natural growth rate is less rapid, however, than those of the other North African countries, a feat accomplished through family planning to lower the birth rate Tunisia has one of the lowest birth rates on the African continent and by raising the social, economic, and legal status of women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that growth will be at a less rapid clip than last year's 4%.

Forbes

However, I have no doubt that China will double down on key initiatives to stem turbulence in its markets and maintain a longstanding focus on achieving growth (albeit at a less rapid pace than before).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates or speeds, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being measured and compared. For instance, specifying "the growth rate is "less rapid than" expected" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less rapid than" when you mean to convey a lack of urgency. While both relate to time, "rapid" refers to speed, whereas "urgent" refers to importance. For example, instead of saying "the response was less rapid than necessary", consider "the response was less urgent than necessary" if the issue was about prioritizing actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less rapid than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to directly compare the speed or rate of one thing to another, indicating that one is slower. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples demonstrating this comparative function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less rapid than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a slower speed or rate compared to something else. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and general writing, with a neutral to formal register. It is grammatically correct and quite common, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative speeds. Remember to clearly define what is being measured for maximum clarity. Overall, the phrase is effective and appropriate for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as fast as

Emphasizes the difference in speed using a common and straightforward comparison.

slower than

A simpler and more direct way to indicate a reduced rate or speed.

at a reduced pace compared to

Highlights the gradual or measured nature of the difference in rate.

proceeding more slowly than

Focuses on the continuous action of something moving or progressing at a lower speed.

developing at a diminished rate relative to

Emphasizes the comparative aspect of development, suggesting a slower progression.

with a decelerated velocity compared with

Highlights the scientific aspect, specifically highlighting velocity.

progressing at a more measured tempo versus

Implies a controlled or deliberate reduction in speed or advancement.

lagging behind in speed when compared to

Indicates that something is falling behind because of a slower speed.

experiencing a tempered acceleration relative to

Suggests a restrained or moderated increase in speed.

with a reduced tempo in contrast to

Focuses on the reduced tempo of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "less rapid than" in a sentence?

Use "less rapid than" to compare the speed or rate of two things, indicating one is slower. For example, "The increase in sales this quarter was "less rapid than" last quarter's increase".

What are some alternatives to saying "less rapid than"?

You can use alternatives like "not as fast as", "slower than", or "at a reduced pace compared to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less rapid than"?

Yes, "less rapid than" is grammatically correct. It's a standard comparative construction used to indicate that something is happening at a slower pace compared to something else.

What is the difference between "less rapid than" and "less frequent than"?

"Less rapid than" refers to the speed or rate at which something occurs, while "less frequent than" refers to how often something happens. Use "less rapid than" when comparing speeds and "less frequent than" when comparing occurrences.