more slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

'more slowly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action should be done at a slower rate, for example, "She read the book more slowly this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move more slowly.

The New York Times

Then more slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

Or read more slowly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others are moving more slowly.

The Economist

Things move more slowly there.

The New Yorker

Here, things move more slowly.

Independent

Al Andalus died more slowly.

The New Yorker

RIEF moves much more slowly.

The Economist

Some changes come more slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe we move more slowly.

The Guardian

Should I exercise more slowly?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform an action "more slowly", be specific about the aspect you want them to slow down. For example, instead of just saying "read more slowly", you could say "read each sentence more slowly and try to understand the meaning before moving on".

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "more slowly" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "at a more gradual pace" or "with less haste" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "more slowly" is to serve as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or clauses to indicate a reduced pace or speed. Ludwig AI confirms that the usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more slowly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes performing an action at a reduced pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news, wiki, and scientific sources, this phrase serves to instruct, advise, or describe actions performed with less speed. While versatile, diversifying with synonyms like "at a more gradual pace" can enhance writing. Use "more slowly" with confidence, ensuring clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reduced speed

This directly addresses the speed of the action.

at a more gradual pace

This alternative emphasizes the rate of change or progress.

more deliberately

Emphasizes intentionality and carefulness by using a one-word adverb.

with less haste

This alternative focuses on the absence of urgency.

in a more leisurely manner

This suggests a relaxed and unhurried approach.

in a more deliberate way

This emphasizes intentionality and carefulness.

at a snail's pace

This is an idiomatic expression for very slow progress.

with more restraint

This suggests controlled action rather than pure speed.

with less momentum

This focuses on the driving force behind the action.

at a reduced tempo

This is particularly useful when referring to the speed of music or rhythmic activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "more slowly" to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating a reduced speed. For example, "He walked "more slowly" after the injury".

What can I say instead of "more slowly"?

Alternatives to "more slowly" include "at a more gradual pace", "with less haste", or "in a more leisurely manner", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "more slowly"?

While "more slowly" is generally correct, avoid using it redundantly. For instance, instead of saying "decrease the speed more slowly", simply say "decrease the speed gradually".

What's the difference between "more slowly" and "slower"?

"More slowly" is an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, while "slower" is a comparative adjective. You'd say "He drives "more slowly"", but "He is a "slower" driver".