less rapidly than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less rapidly than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of two actions or processes, indicating that one occurs at a slower rate than the other. Example: "The new software processes data less rapidly than the previous version, leading to longer wait times for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Productivity has increased less rapidly than in Germany or France.

The Guardian - Business

The obtained release profiles suggest that bilayer-coated liposomes release phenytoin less rapidly than uncoated ones.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

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

The Economist

The poorest part of Britain, Wales has also grown less rapidly than the rest (see map).

The Economist

But he is slowing the pace of reducing the deficit so borrowing will reduce less rapidly than forecast in March.

The Guardian

In many recent Republican proposals, the voucher amount is set by law to grow less rapidly than underlying medical costs.

The Washington Post

Thus, radio-frequency and microwave transitions occur spontaneously much less rapidly than do transitions at visible and ultraviolet frequencies.

Britannica

Conversely, if wages fall less rapidly than prices, labour's real wages will increase, and consumption may rise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This means that export markets will grow less rapidly than had been hoped, so Britain's manufacturers will suffer.

The Economist

Loads may be reduced on roofs where the snow accumulates less rapidly than on the ground as, for example, on sloped roofs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"In the end," Douglas notes, "institutions are meant to change less rapidly than the world around them, or they would not be institutions". 1.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less rapidly than", ensure you are comparing two specific rates or speeds. For example, "The population grew less rapidly than the economy."

Common error

Avoid using "less rapidly than" without a clear point of comparison. It's essential to specify what is happening at a slower rate compared to something else; otherwise, the phrase lacks meaning. For example, instead of just saying "Progress was less rapidly than expected", specify "Progress was less rapidly than the initial projections suggested."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less rapidly than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating that an action is occurring at a slower rate in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less rapidly than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that denotes a slower pace or rate of change when comparing two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral to formal tone and is therefore ideal for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. For clarity, ensure a clear comparison is made to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider "more slowly than", "at a slower pace than", or "not as quickly as" to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more slowly than

Emphasizes slowness as opposed to rapidity, maintaining the comparative aspect.

at a slower pace than

Replaces "rapidly" with "pace" for a more relaxed and less technical tone.

not as quickly as

Uses "quickly" instead of "rapidly", providing a more common and straightforward alternative.

not as fast as

Offers a simpler and more direct comparison of speed.

to a lesser extent than

Shifts the focus to the degree or extent of change rather than speed.

at a reduced rate compared to

Replaces "rapidly" with "rate" and introduces "compared to" for clarity.

with diminished speed relative to

Uses more formal language to convey a decrease in speed.

not so promptly as

Emphasizes the lack of promptness in comparison.

at a more measured rate than

Suggests a deliberate slowness or control in the rate of change.

with a decelerated tempo versus

Uses "tempo" to imply a musical or rhythmic pace, adding a unique stylistic element.

FAQs

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

Use "less rapidly than" to compare the speed of two processes or changes, indicating that one is happening at a slower rate. For example: "The stock market is recovering "more slowly than" economists predicted."

What are some alternatives to "less rapidly than"?

Some alternatives include "more slowly than", "at a slower pace than", or "not as quickly as", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it always necessary to include a direct comparison after using "less rapidly than"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to include a direct comparison to show what is happening at a slower rate compared to what other thing. For instance, "Profits increased "at a reduced rate compared to" last year."

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

While both phrases convey a slower pace, "less rapidly than" often implies a technical or quantitative comparison, whereas ""more slowly than"" can be used in broader, less formal contexts.