reduce speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"reduce speed" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a command or instruction to someone to slow down their speed. For example: - "As you approach the curve, please reduce speed to avoid accidents." - "In heavy traffic, it is important to reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance." - "The pilot was instructed to reduce speed during the descent into the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To reduce casualties they have to reduce speed, but not everyone agrees that they do.

The Guardian

Advance warning signs including advice to reduce speed were in place following the earlier collision.

Independent

If a car moves into the lane, the Tesla will monitor its position and reduce speed accordingly.

The Guardian - Tech

There must have been at least prominent visual warnings to reduce speed, if not audible warnings and an electronic speed supervision system," he said.

The Guardian

Other countries historically have gone in the opposite direction, enacting measures to reduce speed limits and economize on fuel during a recession.

The New York Times

Drivers had to make more pit stops than usual, and they had to reduce speed and grapple for the best grip.

The New York Times - Sports

No one had to explain what those signs meant, and, believe me, they alert you to the dangers ahead much more so than a sign asking that you reduce speed.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the in-transit fuel needed to supply a force from distant bases adds major increments of transport cost, especially under conditions (e.g., poor roads) that reduce speed or increase fuel consumption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The MDX, for example, has sensors that warn drivers of potential collisions, alert them when they stray from their lane on the road, and apply the brakes to reduce speed when an accident seems imminent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Undermining drivers' confidence in their ability to spot cameras, the study concluded, would reduce speed-related accidents.

The Economist

Hyperloop, if you aren't yet familiar, is the transit technology conceived by Elon Musk that uses pods in tightly controlled, tube-contained environments to reduce speed-limiting factors including friction and air resistance to propel the vehicles at super speeds.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions related to safety, use "reduce speed" to clearly communicate the need to slow down a vehicle or process.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when giving instructions. Instead of saying "Speed should be reduced", use the active voice: "Reduce speed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce speed" primarily functions as an imperative, offering a direct command or instruction. This is evident in the Ludwig examples where it is used in contexts requiring immediate action or precautionary measures, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce speed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative phrase that advises or instructs someone to decrease their rate of motion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its prevalence across diverse sources such as News & Media, Science, Encyclopedias and Wiki. It's most effective in safety-related instructions, and while generally neutral, avoiding passive voice enhances its directness. Alternatives include "slow down" for casual contexts and "decrease velocity" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slow down

A more common and informal way to say "reduce speed".

decelerate

A more formal and technical term for decreasing speed.

decrease velocity

Replaces "speed" with its more technical synonym "velocity".

lessen pace

Substitutes "speed" with "pace", implying a rhythmic or consistent movement.

curtail speed

Emphasizes a limitation or restriction of speed.

moderate speed

Suggests adjusting to a safer or more appropriate speed.

cut back on speed

Indicates a deliberate reduction in speed from a higher level.

ease off

Informal way of suggesting to gradually reduce speed.

retard speed

A less common but valid synonym for slowing down.

brake

A more direct command implying immediate speed reduction using brakes.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce speed" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce speed" as a direct instruction, such as "Reduce speed when approaching a curve" or in a general statement, like "The signs instruct drivers to "reduce speed" in residential areas".

What is a formal alternative to "reduce speed"?

A more formal alternative to "reduce speed" is "decrease velocity", which is often used in technical or scientific contexts.

What's a more casual way to say "reduce speed"?

A more casual way to say "reduce speed" is to simply say "slow down".

When should I use "reduce speed" versus "apply the brakes"?

"Reduce speed" implies a gradual slowing, while "apply the brakes" suggests a more immediate or forceful deceleration. Use ""reduce speed"" when anticipating a need to slow down, and "apply the brakes" when reacting to an immediate hazard.