not very fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very fast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is slow or not quick in speed or performance. Example: "The internet connection is not very fast, making it difficult to stream videos smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He was wild, and not very fast.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not very fast either," Kropp volunteered.

The New York Times

"I'm not very fast," she said with a laugh.

The New York Times

"He's not very fast, but he's very good," Tupa said.

The New York Times - Sports

But critics question who will ride the new, not very fast trains.

The New York Times

They're a group phenomenon, they're not very fast, they're quite sickly.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Which isn't very fast, to be fair.

The Guardian - Sport

She isn't very fast, she isn't technically great, and there's nothing unpredictable in her game.

The Guardian - Sport

Usually, that isn't very fast at all, thanks to congestion or the degraded condition of the pavement.

The New Yorker

They looked athletic, but many came with economical six-cylinder or small V-8 engines that weren't very fast.

The New York Times - Travel

IN his first season as coach of the cross-country team at Colts Neck High School, Jim Schlentz had only one student show up to run and he wasn't very fast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very fast" to describe performance, consider adding context to clarify the expected or desired speed. For example: "The data transfer was "not very fast", which delayed the project."

Common error

Avoid using "not very fast" when you mean 'extremely slow'. While it indicates a lack of speed, it does not convey the same intensity as phrases like 'exceptionally slow' or 'glacial'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very fast" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe a lack of speed or quickness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English for indicating something is slow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not very fast" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking speed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a usable phrase in English writing. It functions as an adjective phrase, softening a direct assessment of slowness and is found most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "somewhat slow" or "rather sluggish" exist, "not very fast" provides a nuanced way to express a moderate lack of speed. When writing, be mindful to provide additional context when describing the expected rate and to avoid it when a stronger term is needed to accurately define the slowness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly quick

Emphasizes a general lack of speed without specifying a degree.

relatively slow

Indicates slowness in comparison to something else, adding a comparative aspect.

somewhat slow

Implies a slightly more moderate lack of speed compared to the original phrase.

kind of slow

A more casual and less precise version of the original phrase.

a bit on the slow side

Informal way to express that something is slower than expected.

not especially rapid

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something lacks speed.

not all that speedy

Informal and emphasizes the lack of speed in a more conversational tone.

rather sluggish

Suggests a heavier and less responsive movement, adding a sense of difficulty.

moderately paced

Implies a deliberate, unhurried tempo, often used in more formal settings.

leisurely

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace, often implying enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "not very fast" in a sentence?

You can use "not very fast" to describe something that lacks speed or quickness. For example, "The internet connection is "not very fast", making it difficult to stream videos smoothly."

What are some alternatives to "not very fast"?

Alternatives include phrases like "somewhat slow", "rather sluggish", or "not particularly quick" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not very fast" or "slow"?

"Not very fast" is a milder way of saying something is slow. "Slow" is more direct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. Saying something is "not very fast" suggests it's somewhat slow, but not exceptionally so.

Can "not very fast" be used to describe progress?

Yes, you can use "not very fast" to describe the pace of progress. For example, "The project's development is "not very fast", and we need to identify the bottlenecks."