move slower than

USAGE SUMMARY

"move slower than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one thing moves more slowly than another, such as in this example: "The train moved slower than the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Military convoys on roads inside Iraq are very frequent, and since buses can not pass them, they have to move slower than the slowest Stryker in the convoy.

The New York Times

"Some things move slower than you want, but eventually it was going to happen," said Ozzie Newsome, the first black general manager in the N.F.L., with the Baltimore Ravens, and a teammate of Croom's at Alabama.

The New York Times - Sports

Among those consulted by the president was Gen. Ray Odierno, the top commander in Iraq, who has developed a plan that would move slower than Mr. Obama's campaign timetable, by pulling out two brigades over the next six months.

The New York Times

The conventional wisdom in business is that big companies are like dinosaurs: They move slower than molasses in January.

Forbes

However, biodiesel has a higher viscosity compared to conventional diesel, consequently making it less susceptible to evaporation since the fuel molecules are heavier and move slower than diesel.

Computers & Fluids

Railway level crossing collisions have recently been linked to a size-speed illusion where larger objects such as trains appear to move slower than smaller objects such as cars.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

One day moved slower than the previous day.

The New York Times

But the selection process has moved slower than expected.

The New York Times

The oil moved slower than a hurricane, but granted less opportunity for experienced preparation.

The New York Times

The chief justice had moved slower than Justice Scalia had wanted, but he got there.

The New York Times

"They moved slower than Charlie Chaplin," Fady P. Bassily, general manager of the metro system, said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move slower than", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what is moving slower and what it is moving slower than for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "move slower than" without clearly defining the objects or processes being compared. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Specify both subjects to ensure understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move slower than" functions as a comparative, indicating that one entity progresses at a reduced speed compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show its usage in contexts ranging from physical movement to abstract processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move slower than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase that indicates a difference in speed between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to be applied across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general communication. To ensure clarity, it's important to define the objects or processes being compared. While simpler alternatives exist, "move slower than" provides a precise and effective way to express relative speed differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as fast as

A more direct and simple way to indicate a speed difference.

proceed at a reduced pace compared to

Emphasizes the rate of progression being less than another.

advance more deliberately than

Highlights intentionality in a slower movement.

at a diminished velocity compared to

Uses more formal vocabulary to express slower speed.

fall behind the pace of

Focuses on the inability to keep up with a certain speed.

lag behind in speed relative to

Focuses on the concept of falling behind something else.

progress with less rapidity than

Highlights a lack of speed in the progression.

decelerate relative to

Specifically describes the act of slowing down compared to something else.

creep along more gradually than

Implies a very slow and incremental movement.

go at a more leisurely rate than

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried movement.

FAQs

How can I use "move slower than" in a sentence?

Use "move slower than" to compare the speed of two objects or processes, such as, "The turtle "moves slower than" the hare."

What's a simple alternative to "move slower than"?

A simpler alternative is "not as fast as", as in, "The bicycle is "not as fast as" the car."

Which is more appropriate: "move slower than" or "moves slower than"?

"Moves slower than" is used when referring to a singular subject in the present tense, while "move slower than" can be used for plural subjects or in other tenses. For example: "He "moves slower than" his brother" or "They "move slower than" before".

How does "move slower than" differ from "decelerate relative to"?

"Move slower than" indicates a general comparison of speed, while "decelerate relative to" suggests an active slowing down process in comparison to something else.