proceeding slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proceeding slowly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an action or process that is happening at a slow pace. Example: The project is proceeding slowly due to unforeseen challenges. Alternative expressions include "moving at a crawl" and "advancing gradually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is proceeding slowly.

The New York Times

But the process has been proceeding slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

But Blitz­stein's rehabilitation is proceeding slowly.

The New York Times - Books

The case against Tourre is proceeding slowly.

Columbia University

Its military reforms are proceeding slowly, at best.

The Economist

School desegregation was proceeding slowly, with many brutal setbacks.

The New Yorker

"Things are proceeding slowly, maybe, but it's worth it.

Independent

Mr. Abbas has started talks for a unity government with Hamas, but they are proceeding slowly.

The New York Times

Although the case has been proceeding slowly, the investors seem to be winning.

The New York Times

Investigators have been proceeding slowly, and their inquiries had featured in the news only sporadically.

The New York Times

Both are proceeding slowly and continue to attract controversy for their political ramifications.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "advancing gradually" or "progressing steadily" for variety and to refine the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "proceeding slowly" when describing situations that require immediate action or rapid progress. This can create a sense of apathy or inefficiency. Instead, use phrases that convey a sense of urgency or acceleration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceeding slowly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates the pace or speed at which something is happening. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proceeding slowly" is a versatile adverbial phrase that describes the pace of an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing most frequently in News & Media contexts. While it simply indicates a gradual pace, the phrase can also suggest caution, deliberation, or a lack of urgency. For alternative phrasing, consider synonyms such as "advancing gradually" or "progressing steadily" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse in contexts demanding urgency is key to maintaining clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancing gradually

Emphasizes incremental progress rather than overall speed; it focuses on the small steps being made.

moving deliberately

Highlights intentionality and carefulness in the pace of movement.

developing incrementally

Focuses on the phased nature of the development process.

unfolding gradually

Suggests a natural, organic pace of revelation or development.

progressing steadily

Highlights consistency and reliability, even if the pace is not fast.

creeping along

Implies a very slow, almost imperceptible pace.

dragging its feet

Indicates reluctance or resistance, causing slow progress.

inching forward

Suggests minimal, difficult progress against resistance.

lumbering ahead

Conveys a sense of heavy, awkward, and slow progress.

taking its time

Suggests a lack of urgency, implying that there is no need to rush.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "proceeding slowly"?

When something is described as "proceeding slowly", it means that it's progressing or developing at a gradual pace, often suggesting caution or a deliberate lack of urgency.

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

You can use "proceeding slowly" to describe various situations. For example: "The investigation is "proceeding slowly" due to the lack of evidence."

What are some alternatives to saying something is "proceeding slowly"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "advancing gradually", "progressing steadily", or "developing incrementally", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say something is "proceeding slowly"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply inefficiency or delay, "proceeding slowly" can also be positive, suggesting careful consideration or a deliberate approach to avoid mistakes, such as when "moving deliberately" in a sensitive situation.