less slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the speed of two actions, indicating that one is done at a reduced pace compared to another. Example: "If you could move less slowly, we might finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That will require emissions not just to grow less slowly, but fall – steeply and soon.

The Guardian

Tinkering with tiny mechanisms made time pass less slowly, and the clocks themselves proved that it was indeed passing.

The New York Times

Which days do you leap out of bed, or at least crawl out of it less slowly?

The Guardian

"The secretary identified this as an area of the marketplace that was improving a little less slowly".

The New York Times

Heat was overtaken by IPC Media's Chat, which also lost sales – but less slowly than the Bauer Media title – down 2.1% on the previous six months and 1% year on year to 430,674.

The Guardian

In the draft version of the IPCC figure, it was simply a visual illusion that the surface temperature data appeared to be warming less slowly than the model projections, even though the measured temperature trend fell within the range of model simulations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Bras, much less restrictive, slowly took over.

The Guardian - Books

In other images, particularly Kelly's photographs of barns, the shapes come at you less directly, slowly floating out of the composition like the answers to a perceptual riddle.

The New Yorker

Presumably, losing your life in a highway smashup is less unpleasant than slowly dying of bladder cancer.

The New York Times - Magazine

The survey also illuminates where the money is coming from: American families saved less and only slowly repaid debts.

The New York Times

Scout tells Eric about evil mastermind Mycroft Ward (say it slowly), less a villain than a malignant consciousness imprinting himself on innocent people.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less slowly", consider whether a more direct and positive phrasing like "more quickly" would enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "less slowly" when a simpler term like "faster" or "more quickly" accurately conveys the intended meaning. The double negative can sometimes cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less slowly" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It modifies verbs, indicating a pace that is not as slow as it could be. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less slowly" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe an action that is progressing at a pace that is not as slow as it could be. While correct, Ludwig AI recommends that a more direct phrase like "more quickly" or "faster" might be preferable to enhance clarity. Although the term isn't extremely common, examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, including news media and scientific publications. When choosing to use "less slowly", consider whether a more direct phrasing might improve the communication of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more quickly

Indicates a direct opposite, implying a faster pace rather than a reduced slowness.

at a faster rate

Replaces "less slowly" with a positive expression of speed.

with greater speed

Similar to "at a faster rate", focusing on increased speed.

with increased velocity

A more formal way to express moving or progressing faster.

not as deliberately

Suggests a reduction in the intentional slowness of an action.

at a reduced pace

Focuses on the pace of an action being slower than usual, but still not the intended speed.

more expeditiously

Implies a more efficient and faster way of achieving something.

not so leisurely

Suggests a reduced degree of relaxed or unhurried action.

in a less dragging manner

Emphasizes reducing the sensation of something being slow and tedious.

in a brisker fashion

Implies a livelier and faster approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "less slowly" to compare the relative speed of two actions or processes. For example: "The project is progressing "less slowly" now that we have additional resources."

What is a good alternative to "less slowly"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "more quickly", "at a faster pace", or "more expeditiously".

Is it grammatically correct to use "less slowly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although it can sometimes sound awkward. It's generally better to use a more direct phrase unless you specifically need the double negative for emphasis.

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

"Less slowly" indicates a reduction in slowness, while "more quickly" directly expresses an increase in speed. While they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "more quickly" is often clearer and more concise.