less rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slower pace or rate of action compared to something else. Example: "The project progressed less rapidly than we had anticipated due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Choreography evolved no less rapidly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Productivity has increased less rapidly than in Germany or France.

The Guardian - Business

With demand rising less rapidly, inflation posed less of a risk, the minutes said.

The New York Times

"My own view is that very top people do age a little less rapidly".

The New York Times - Science

That means losses won't end, but will finally start to grow less rapidly.

The New York Times

If scans showed that tumors grew less rapidly, the drug could be approved.

The New York Times - Health

"At the end of the year," he said, "the state was losing ground less rapidly".

The New York Times

The numbers also declined, though less rapidly, for men aged 35 to 54.

The New York Times

Those in the middle of the plateau are shrinking too, though less rapidly.

The Economist

Some people may wish that the construction crane was also breeding less rapidly.

The Economist

Poverty is falling, albeit less rapidly than between 2000 and 2007.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing rates of change, use "less rapidly" to highlight the comparative difference. For example, "Although both populations are growing, the rural population is growing "less rapidly" than the urban population".

Common error

While "slower" can often substitute "less rapidly", "less rapidly" is more precise when discussing rates of change or processes, whereas "slower" often implies a general lack of speed. Prefer "less rapidly" when accuracy matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less rapidly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree or manner in which an action or process occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it modifies verbs to express a slower rate of change compared to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less rapidly" serves as an adverbial modifier to indicate a slower rate of change in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for diverse registers, especially in News & Media and Science. For alternatives, consider "more slowly" or "at a slower pace". When comparing rates of change with precision, prioritize "less rapidly" over the more general term "slower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more slowly

Focuses on the slowness of the action rather than the rate of change.

at a slower pace

Emphasizes the tempo or rhythm of the action.

with diminished speed

Highlights the reduction in velocity.

at a reduced rate

Specifically points to the decrease in the rate of occurrence.

not as quickly

Simple and direct way to express a slower speed.

more deliberately

Suggests a more thoughtful or intentional slowness.

at a more leisurely rate

Implies a relaxed and unhurried pace.

in a more gradual manner

Highlights the incremental nature of the change.

with less haste

Focuses on the absence of urgency.

in a more measured way

Emphasizes careful and controlled progression.

FAQs

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

Use "less rapidly" to compare the rate at which something happens to something else. For instance, "The disease spread "less rapidly" in vaccinated populations than in unvaccinated ones."

What are some alternatives to using "less rapidly"?

You could use phrases like "more slowly", "at a slower pace", or "not as quickly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "slower" instead of "less rapidly"?

While "slower" is often acceptable, "less rapidly" is more precise when comparing rates of change. For instance, instead of "the decline was slower", it's more accurate to say "the decline occurred "less rapidly"".

What's the difference between "less rapidly" and "more gradually"?

"Less rapidly" focuses on the speed of change, whereas "more gradually" emphasizes the incremental and progressive nature of the change. For example, "The temperature decreased "less rapidly" after sunset" versus "The policy was implemented more gradually over several years".