running slowly

USAGE SUMMARY

"running slowly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe the pace at which someone or something is running. Example: "She was running slowly to conserve her energy for the race." Alternative expressions include "jogging at a leisurely pace" and "moving at a slow speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

With processor running, slowly add oil.

The New York Times - Food

Or that the line will be running slowly all day?

The New York Times - Arts

With machine running, slowly add half the broth.

The New York Times

While running, slowly add the rapeseed oil until fully emulsified.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she'll be there, running slowly with us".

The New York Times

Owens was not running slowly; Peacock was just running faster.

The Guardian - Sport

Muddy-faced rascals abounded, shouting hoarsely and running slowly.

The Guardian

With the motor running, slowly add the oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Services from Noida, an East Delhi suburb, were running slowly and cars were crowded, commuters said.

The New York Times

By 9 a.m., however, the system was again operational, if running slowly.

The New York Times

Piazza began running slowly to first base, still holding the bat handle.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that is not operating at its full capacity, use "running slowly" to indicate reduced performance or efficiency.

Common error

Instead of "running slowly", consider using terms like "jogging", "shuffling", or "limping" to provide a clearer picture of the manner of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running slowly" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "running" is the present participle of the verb "run" and "slowly" is an adverb modifying the verb. It describes the manner in which the action of running is performed. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running slowly" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe movement at a reduced pace. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its broad applicability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle and Wiki articles. While semantically similar phrases exist, such as "jogging lightly" or "moving at a leisurely pace", "running slowly" provides a straightforward and neutral description suitable for various contexts. Remember to avoid using it when more specific terms like "limping" or "shuffling" are more appropriate. It’s important to highlight that the phrase has a very high frequency, as confirmed by the analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jogging lightly

Emphasizes a gentle and easy pace during a run.

moving at a leisurely pace

Highlights the unhurried and relaxed nature of the movement.

proceeding at a snail's pace

Implies a very slow and gradual movement.

taking it easy

Suggests a relaxed approach to physical activity or exertion.

walking briskly

Indicates a pace faster than a regular walk but slower than a run.

ambling along

Describes a casual and unhurried way of moving.

sauntering

Highlights a relaxed and somewhat aimless form of walking.

crawling

Emphasizes a very slow movement, often on hands and knees.

shuffling along

Suggests a slow and unsteady gait, often due to age or infirmity.

dawdling

Implies moving slowly and wasting time.

FAQs

How to use "running slowly" in a sentence?

You can use "running slowly" to describe a person who is not running at full speed, for example: "She was "running slowly" to avoid getting tired before the race."

What can I say instead of "running slowly"?

You can use alternatives like "jogging lightly", "moving at a leisurely pace", or "taking it easy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "running slowly" or "slowly running"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but "running slowly" is more common. "Slowly running" might be used to emphasize the slowness of the action, but it sounds less natural.

What's the difference between "running slowly" and "walking briskly"?

"Running slowly" implies a slower pace than a typical run, while "walking briskly" means walking at a faster pace than usual. The key difference is that running involves a period where both feet are off the ground, while walking always has one foot on the ground.