reduce the speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"reduce the speed" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to decrease the rate at which something is moving or operating. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as describing a vehicle slowing down, adjusting the speed of a fan, or even in a figurative sense to describe a decrease in progress or intensity. Here is an example: "The driver had to reduce the speed of the car as they approached a sharp turn in the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2. Reduce the speed to low.

The New York Times

Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We need to reduce the speed limits of our lives.

The New York Times

Reduce the speed to low, add the caster sugar, and mix until completely incorporated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reduce the speed to low and add the sifted dry ingredients.

The New York Times

Each time the clock fires, it will reduce the speed of the ball slightly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reduce the speed to low; add the white chocolate chips and beat until incorporated.

The Washington Post

Reduce the speed to low; gradually add to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated.

The Washington Post

Reduce the speed to low and add half of the flour mixture.

The Washington Post

This is done to reduce the speed of trades even more.

The New York Times

Recent state legislation to reduce the speed limit to twenty miles per hour was met with stiff opposition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to slow down while operating machinery or driving, use "reduce the speed" for clarity and directness.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the speed" in contexts where "speed" refers to urgency or efficiency, instead of velocity. For example, do not say "reduce the speed of project completion" when you mean to simplify or delay it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the speed" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone or something to decrease its rate of motion or operation. Ludwig provides numerous examples in various contexts where this phrase is used to give instructions or recommendations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce the speed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that means to decrease the rate at which something is moving or operating. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts, from driving instructions to technical processes. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternatives like "slow down" or "decrease the speed" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease the speed

Replaces "reduce" with the synonym "decrease".

lower the speed

Uses "lower" instead of "reduce", indicating a similar action.

slow down

A more informal phrasal verb meaning to reduce speed.

decelerate

A single verb that means to reduce speed.

diminish the velocity

Replaces "speed" with the more formal "velocity".

moderate the rate

Suggests a controlled reduction in speed or rate.

curtail the pace

Uses "curtail" and "pace" to convey a reduction in rate.

cut back on velocity

Uses "cut back" to mean reduce, with velocity representing speed.

lessen the tempo

Applies to contexts where "speed" refers to tempo, such as in music or work.

ease off the throttle

Specifically for vehicles, suggesting a reduction in acceleration.

FAQs

What's a formal way to say "reduce the speed"?

A more formal way to express "reduce the speed" is to say "diminish the velocity" or "decrease the rate", depending on the context.

How can I use "reduce the speed" in a sentence about driving?

You can use "reduce the speed" in a sentence such as: "The driver had to reduce the speed of the car when approaching the intersection".

What's an informal way to say "reduce the speed"?

An informal way to say "reduce the speed" is to simply say "slow down".

In what context would I use "moderate the rate" instead of "reduce the speed"?

"Moderate the rate" is suitable when you want to convey a controlled or balanced reduction, whereas "reduce the speed" is a more direct instruction to decrease velocity or pace.