less swift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less swift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as fast or quick as something else. Example: "The new model is less swift than its predecessor, which may affect its performance in competitive situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The cure was less swift.

The New York Times

And, he always made the less swift and less coordinated enjoy whatever sport they tried.

The New York Times

She seems to have been quicker than Obama to support American military intervention in Libya, and she was for a less swift exit of American troops from Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Indeed, if he were subject to any substantial procedural hurdles which made his remedy under § 2255 less swift and imperative than federal habeas corpus, the gravest constitutional doubts would be engendered, as the Court in Hayman implicitly recognized.

Cornell University

Beef is a C$4 billion ($3 billion) industry in Alberta, as synonymous with the province as oil and wheat.The economic damage inflicted by SARS had been no less swift.

The Economist

Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe saw serious clashes after their most recent polls, driven by longstanding ethnic and sectarian rifts.All these came to a more or less swift end, unlike Africa's civil wars of previous decades.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Add to them drier, wetter, more, less, swifter, slower, greater, smaller, and all that in the preceding argument we placed under the unity of more and less.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But each morning they made their journey into the city in more-or-less swift trains, and then they journeyed home many, many hours later.

The New York Times

But each morning they made their journey in more-or-less swift trains down the ancient trail known as the Metro-North to The Grand Central Terminal, and then they journeyed back home many, many hours later.

The New York Times

But each morning they made their journey in more-or-less swift trains down the three ancient trails known as the Metro-North -- the trail of Harlem, the trail of Hudson and the trail of New Haven -- to the Grand Central Terminal, and then they journeyed home many, many hours later.

The New York Times

Appropriately, his storytelling is never less than swift.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or action, use "less swift" to subtly indicate a reduction in speed or efficiency without necessarily implying a negative connotation. It's useful when you want to avoid stronger terms like "slow".

Common error

Avoid using "less swift" when a stronger emphasis on slowness is required. While accurate, it can sometimes sound understated or euphemistic, especially in contexts where clarity about the degree of reduced speed is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less swift" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a relative reduction in speed or quickness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less swift" is a grammatically sound and usable comparative adjective phrase that indicates a reduction in speed. Ludwig AI validates this. While not as common as "slower", it provides a nuanced way to express diminished quickness, suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey, whether it's a deliberate pace, a lack of haste, or simply a reduced speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as swift

Replicates the structure but modifies the wording.

not as rapid

A straightforward comparison indicating a lower level of rapidity.

not so quick

A simple and direct way of saying something is not as fast.

reduced speed

Directly indicates a decrease in velocity.

slower pace

Emphasizes a reduced rate of movement or activity.

less hurried

Implies a lack of urgency or rushing.

more deliberate

Suggests intentionality and care in the reduction of speed.

less hasty

Focuses on the absence of impulsiveness or rushing.

moderately paced

Suggests a balanced and controlled speed.

more gradual

Highlights a slow and incremental change or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "less swift" to describe actions or processes that are slower than usual. For example, "The response was "less swift" than anticipated, causing delays."

What are some alternatives to "less swift"?

Alternatives include "slower", "not as rapid", or "more deliberate" depending on the context. Consider the nuance you want to convey.

Is "less swift" a formal or informal phrase?

"Less swift" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic writing. "Slower" might be preferred in more informal settings.

What is the difference between "less swift" and "slower"?

While both indicate a reduction in speed, "less swift" can imply a more nuanced or subtle reduction, whereas "slower" is a more direct and common term for reduced speed. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.