rather slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slower than expected or desired, often in a comparative context. Example: "The internet connection was rather slow, making it difficult to stream videos without buffering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a rather slow process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Limbs are rather slow to develop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That, it emerges, is rather slow.

Independent

It has been rather slow thus far.

The New York Times

At first it really does seem rather slow.

Independent

The story is simple, strong and rather slow.

The Guardian - Music

• Yeager's 9 e3 is rare and rather slow.

The New York Times

But he added: "It was a rather slow bomb.

The New York Times

"This year it's been rather slow," she said.

The New York Times

"It was rather slow and cumbersome" remembers Zarnecki.

The Guardian

Grab a comfy chair because the site is rather slow".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather slow", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of slowness you wish to convey. It's a versatile phrase, but other options might be more precise.

Common error

While acceptable, "rather slow" can sound less professional in formal contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "moderately slow" or "relatively slow" to enhance clarity and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather slow" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the degree to which something lacks speed. Ludwig AI confirms this as both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather slow" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks speed or progresses at a less-than-ideal pace. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly across diverse contexts, from news and scientific publications to encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and desired level of formality. In more formal settings, alternatives like "moderately slow" or "relatively slow" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help ensure your writing is both accurate and effective. Be mindful to not confuse its usage with the completely unrelated "rather, slow economic growth".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat slow

Indicates a slightly reduced level of slowness compared to "rather slow".

fairly slow

Similar in meaning and intensity to "rather slow", but with a slightly more casual tone.

relatively slow

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

moderately slow

Suggests a balanced level of slowness, avoiding extremes.

kind of slow

An informal way of expressing a similar sentiment, suitable for casual conversation.

a bit slow

A more understated way to indicate slowness.

slightly slow

Emphasizes a minimal degree of slowness.

somewhat sluggish

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar sense of reduced speed or activity.

not very fast

Expresses slowness indirectly by negating the opposite quality.

less than speedy

More formal and indirect way to say "rather slow".

FAQs

How can I use "rather slow" in a sentence?

You can use "rather slow" to describe something that is slower than expected, such as "The internet connection is rather slow today" or "Progress on the project has been rather slow lately".

What are some alternatives to "rather slow"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "somewhat slow", "fairly slow", or "relatively slow".

Is "rather slow" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather slow" might sound less formal. Consider using more precise alternatives like "moderately slow" or "comparatively slow" in professional contexts.

What's the difference between "rather slow" and "very slow"?

"Rather slow" indicates a moderate degree of slowness, while "very slow" implies a higher degree of slowness. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.