pretty slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty slowly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the manner in which something is done, indicating that it is done at a slow pace, but with a slightly informal tone. Example: "The car moved pretty slowly through the heavy traffic, making our journey longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But leaving that aside, the series starts pretty slowly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They either drive pretty slowly or they just drive normally and then they crash".

The New York Times

"I can understand some English, but I respond pretty slowly," Guo said.

The Guardian

One step above these are the books that have an actual story, but they tell it pretty slowly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The fact that it has taken them this long to evade sanctions and build these new centrifuges tells you they are operating pretty slowly".

The New York Times

"I think Microsoft is still moving pretty slowly as it shifts at least part of its business to the cloud," Mr. Carr says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

While it's pretty easy to avoid the slowly falling arrows in the beginning, like intensely weird sexual relationships in real life, shit gets crazier the more you bang until eventually the sky comes crashing down and everything falls apart.

Vice

As Warren Buffett says, "It's pretty easy to get well-to-do slowly.

Independent

It's pretty easy.

AIDS and Behavior

So the games industry's pretty regressive but slowly that's changing.

The Guardian

Her first question to a foreigner was "Am I pretty?" Slowly, however, information is seeping in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or events, use "pretty slowly" to convey a sense of gradual progress without being overly formal. It works well in narratives and explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty slowly" in highly formal or professional writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "gradually" or "moderately slowly" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty slowly" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is happening at a slow pace. The examples from Ludwig confirm this usage, demonstrating how it modifies verbs to express the degree of slowness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretty slowly" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions or processes that occur at a gradual pace. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the term is frequently found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and general content, thus being categorized as common. Although acceptable, it is more informal than alternatives like "gradually" or "moderately slowly", making it less suitable for formal academic or professional contexts. To ensure your writing is accurate and professional, consider context and choose more formal alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather slowly

Emphasizes a degree of slowness that is noticeable, similar to "pretty slowly" but slightly more formal.

fairly slowly

Indicates a moderate degree of slowness, comparable to "pretty slowly" in everyday usage.

somewhat slowly

Suggests a slight degree of slowness, making it a milder alternative to "pretty slowly".

quite slowly

Similar in meaning to "pretty slowly", emphasizing the slowness to a noticeable extent.

moderately slowly

A more formal alternative, indicating a medium level of slowness.

gradually

Focuses on the process of something happening slowly over time, subtly different from describing the speed itself.

leisurely

Implies a relaxed and unhurried pace, adding a connotation of enjoyment or lack of pressure.

at a snail's pace

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme slowness, more figurative than "pretty slowly".

at a measured pace

Suggests a deliberate and controlled slowness, implying carefulness or precision.

in a slow manner

A more descriptive and slightly more formal way of expressing the same concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty slowly" to describe the speed at which something moves or progresses. For example, "The project is moving "pretty slowly" due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to "pretty slowly"?

Alternatives include "fairly slowly", "rather slowly", or "somewhat slowly". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "pretty slowly" appropriate for formal writing?

While "pretty slowly" is grammatically correct, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "gradually" or "moderately slowly".

What's the difference between "pretty slowly" and "very slowly"?

"Pretty slowly" suggests a noticeable but not extreme slowness. "Very slowly", on the other hand, indicates a higher degree of slowness. The choice depends on the degree of slowness you want to emphasize.