losing speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to vehicles, sports, or any situation where a decrease in speed is relevant. Example: "As the car approached the steep hill, it began losing speed, struggling to maintain momentum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But come what may, changing direction means losing speed.

The Economist

The peasants are behind him but the film's losing speed.

The Guardian - Film

The budget-busting rise in health care costs, it seems, is finally losing speed.

The New York Times

Whatever the reason, the economic aircraft appears to be losing speed on the runway.

The Guardian - Business

I felt us steadily losing speed as we cleared Turn 20 and crossed the finish line.

The New York Times

He led Reichelt by 0.50 at the second intermediate time before losing speed in the middle part.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He'd lost speed?

The Guardian - Sport

I lost speed and time there".

The New York Times - Sports

"In this game you lose speed.

The New York Times - Sports

In this case, investigators said, the plane abruptly lost speed.

The New York Times

"When he sidesteps a guy, he doesn't lose speed".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual reduction in speed, "losing speed" is appropriate. For sudden stops, consider alternatives like "abruptly halted" or "came to a standstill".

Common error

Avoid using "losing speed" to describe objects that are already stationary. The phrase implies a reduction from an existing velocity, not a lack of motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing speed" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is losing speed", "was losing speed"). It describes an ongoing action of deceleration, indicating a reduction in the rate at which something is moving. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing speed" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the action of something decelerating. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears in a range of contexts, from news and media to sports and general descriptions. It's important to note, however, that the phrase implies a reduction from an existing velocity, so it shouldn't be used to describe objects that are already stationary. Related phrases include "slowing down" and "decelerating", each carrying slightly different nuances. This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming slower

A simple, direct way to express a decrease in speed.

slowing down

A more general and common way to describe a decrease in speed.

diminishing in speed

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in speed.

decelerating

Implies a controlled reduction in velocity; more formal.

decreasing in velocity

A more formal and scientific way to describe "losing speed".

dropping in pace

Focuses on the rate or rhythm of movement, not necessarily the absolute speed.

reducing momentum

Highlights the loss of forward drive or impetus.

weakening in pace

Suggests speed diminishing due to fatigue or lack of energy.

falling behind

Suggests a loss of speed relative to others or a previous standard.

grinding to a halt

Implies a near complete loss of speed, approaching a stop.

FAQs

How can I use "losing speed" in a sentence?

You can use "losing speed" to describe anything that is slowing down, such as "The car was "losing speed" as it went uphill" or "The runner started "losing speed" near the end of the race".

What are some synonyms for "losing speed"?

Some synonyms for "losing speed" include "slowing down", "decelerating", and "decreasing in velocity". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "lost speed" instead of "losing speed"?

Yes, "lost speed" is grammatically correct, but it implies a completed action, while "losing speed" suggests an ongoing process. For example, "The plane lost speed and crashed" versus "The plane was "losing speed" as it approached the runway".

What's the difference between "losing speed" and "losing momentum"?

"Losing speed" specifically refers to a reduction in velocity. "Losing momentum" implies a reduction in the force or impetus driving the movement. While related, momentum considers mass and velocity, whereas speed is only velocity.