progress was slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progress was slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where things are not moving or developing as quickly as expected. Here is an example: "After months of hard work, the project was finally started, but progress was slow. Due to unexpected setbacks and delays, it seemed like we were making little to no headway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Progress was slow, and for a while it seemed that I was making no progress at all.

Huffington Post

Our progress was slow.

The New Yorker

Progress was slow.

The Guardian - Travel

But progress was slow.

The Economist

His progress was slow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, progress was slow.

The Guardian

Even then, progress was slow.

The New York Times

Mitchell's progress was slow at first.

The New Yorker

With surfing, his initial progress was slow.

The New York Times

So the progress was slow," Mr. Hodges said.

The New York Times

After that conflict was over in 1945, progress was slow.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progress was slow" to accurately depict situations where advancement isn't happening at the desired speed. It's suitable for describing projects, personal development, or historical events.

Common error

While "progress was slow" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in close succession. Vary your language with synonyms like "development was sluggish" or "advancement was gradual" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progress was slow" functions as a statement describing the rate of advancement. It's a common construction where "progress" acts as the subject, "was" as the linking verb, and "slow" as the subject complement, describing the state of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progress was slow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a situation where advancement is not happening as quickly as desired. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and general writing. While versatile, it is advisable to use synonyms to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate and effective communication. As Ludwig's analysis reveals, this simple phrase carries a significant weight in expressing the pace of development in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancement was gradual

Emphasizes the steadiness and lack of sudden changes in the advancement.

development was sluggish

Highlights the lack of energy and speed in the development process.

pace was unhurried

Focuses on the relaxed and leisurely tempo of the activity.

momentum was lacking

Indicates a deficiency in the driving force needed for quicker progress.

things weren't moving quickly

Emphasizes the slowness of the situation, with more colloquial language.

the rate of progress was minimal

Stresses the small amount of progress being made.

there was little headway

Highlights the limited advancements despite effort.

it wasn't advancing rapidly

Underscores the lack of swift advancement.

growth was stunted

Suggests that the growth was inhibited or slowed down.

the process was drawn out

Indicates that the process took longer than expected.

FAQs

How can I use "progress was slow" in a sentence?

You can use "progress was slow" to describe a situation where development or advancement is not happening as quickly as expected. For example: "Despite our best efforts, "progress was slow" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "progress was slow"?

Alternatives include phrases like "advancement was gradual", "development was sluggish", or "the pace was unhurried", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "progress was slow"?

Yes, "progress was slow" is grammatically correct. It uses the noun "progress" with the past tense of the verb "to be" (was) and the adjective "slow".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "progress was slow"?

It's appropriate in various contexts, including discussing project timelines, personal development, historical events, or scientific research where advancement isn't happening rapidly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage.