moderately slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderately slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pace or speed that is slower than average but not excessively so. Example: "The train was moderately slow, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views along the route."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's like having your own barrel with moderately slow moving fish.

The New York Times

The Mile 7 split was 35:29, 4 54 a mile, still moderately slow, despite the downhill stretch.

The New York Times

"If you look at the woman in question, and her biomechanics in the heats, she has a steady, moderately slow, six-beat kick," Leonard said, referring to the number of kicks Ye takes with each arm stroke.

The Guardian - Sport

Walk, in horsemanship, moderately slow four-beat gait of a horse, during which each foot strikes the ground separately and the horse is supported by two or three feet at all times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, moderately slow deactivation for both catalysts was observed, reaching the pseudo-stable state in the initial few minutes at the lower temperatures of 210 and 230 °C.

Applied Petrochemical Research

A low concentration of the solute and a moderately slow cooling rate provided fine hexagonal rod-like crystals of potassium hexatitanate, which would be formed through dissolution of the solutes in enough amount of the molten salt followed by crystallization and growth of potassium hexatitanate during the cooling step, presumably with fewer defects formation.

Catalysis Today

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

So most professional investors expect the Fed to raise rates only moderately, slowing the economy slightly but not derailing the recovery that has gained strength over the last year.

The New York Times

The costs of even moderately slower growth can quickly add up, however: Ms Reinhart and Mr Rogoff warn that the average debt overhang lasts more than 20 years.The latest dust-up does nothing to answer the question of causation.

The Economist

No treatment has been shown to change the course of primary progressive MS and as of 2011 only one medication, mitoxantrone, has been approved for secondary progressive MS. In this population tentative evidence supports mitoxantrone moderately slowing the progression of the disease and decreasing rates of relapses over two years.

Wikipedia

Control mice exited torpor at a maximum rate of temperature gain of 0.26°C per minute, whereas temperature gain was moderately slower in ob/ob mice (0.23°C per minute; Fig. 3B), likely due to their increased mass.

Plosone

LL plants exhibited a moderately slower growth rate than HL plants; nevertheless they still exhibited lower silencing frequencies even when they reached the same growth stage as HL plants.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moderately slow" to describe processes or movements that are slower than average but not significantly delayed. For example, "The data loaded at a moderately slow pace, but it was still usable."

Common error

Avoid using "moderately slow" repeatedly in formal contexts. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "somewhat delayed" or "slightly slower" to enhance readability and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderately slow" functions as a compound adjective, where the adverb "moderately" modifies the adjective "slow". This combination serves to describe something that has a speed or pace that is less than average, but not extremely so. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a common and acceptable use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

Science

21%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moderately slow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is slower than average but not extremely so. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and general writing. While versatile, varying descriptions in formal writing is advised. Related phrases include "somewhat slow" and "fairly slow". Overall, "moderately slow" is a reliable and understandable term for conveying a nuanced degree of slowness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat slow

Indicates a slightly slower pace than average, similar to "moderately slow" but with a slightly less formal tone.

fairly slow

Implies a degree of slowness that is noticeable but not extreme, much like "moderately slow".

relatively slow

Highlights the slowness in comparison to something else, similar to "moderately slow" when used in a comparative context.

kind of slow

A more informal way of saying "moderately slow", suitable for casual conversation.

slightly slow

Suggests a minimal degree of slowness, a weaker version of "moderately slow".

a bit slow

Informal and indicates a small degree of slowness, comparable to "slightly slow" and less emphatic than "moderately slow".

not very fast

Expresses slowness by negating speed, offering an alternative perspective to "moderately slow".

leisurely paced

Describes a relaxed and unhurried tempo, which is a specific type of "moderately slow".

at a gentle pace

Conveys slowness with an emphasis on smoothness and ease, implying a "moderately slow" speed.

unhurried

Focuses on the absence of haste, suggesting a tempo that could be described as "moderately slow".

FAQs

How can I use "moderately slow" in a sentence?

You can use "moderately slow" to describe a process or movement that is slower than average but not excessively so. For example: "The server's response time was "moderately slow", but still acceptable."

What are some alternatives to "moderately slow"?

Alternatives to "moderately slow" include "somewhat slow", "fairly slow", or "relatively slow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "moderately slow" formal or informal?

"Moderately slow" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It strikes a balance between precision and accessibility, making it versatile for various writing styles.

What does "moderately slow tempo" mean in music?

In music, a "moderately slow tempo" indicates a pace that is slower than average, often described as Andante. Specific beats per minute (BPM) can vary, but it generally falls between 76 and 108 BPM.