slackening pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slackening pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in speed or intensity, often in the context of activities, processes, or events. Example: "As the race progressed, the runners began to feel fatigued, resulting in a slackening pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some scientists privately admit they were caught by surprise by the slackening pace of warming.

Yale University

He found that, in the real world, temperatures got too warm too soon during the 1990s; but the slackening pace since had brought the forecast right back on track.

Yale University

While noting the global economic malaise, Beijing conceded that China is in a tight spot itself, squeezed by both inflation and a slackening pace of economic activity.

The New York Times

The administration's slackening pace also seems to reflect a fresh assessment of Mr. Laden's whereabouts -- or a lack of information about his location.

The New York Times

And the slackening pace of inventory rebuilding will curb import growth, because stockbuilding is the component of demand that is hungriest for imports.Moreover, the overall figures for exports mask a striking divergence between goods and services.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And, far from slackening the pace of the cuts, Osborne is looking to step them up during the next parliament, if the Conservatives win.

The New Yorker

AS HIS WORK ON VOYAGER COMES TO A CLOSE, Stone is not slackening his pace; he is either leading or taking part in four other space projects.

The New York Times - Magazine

But others, as the ride neared its end, watched in alarm as the ferry overshot its normal berth without slackening its pace, passing at least two more piers before crashing into a third.

The New York Times

About 1,000 American troops backed by attack helicopters mounted a dawn assault on a string of mountain villages and caves in southeastern Afghanistan today, sending a forceful message to militants here that coalition forces would not be slackening their pace as the war in Iraq gets under way.

The New York Times

But then, through circumstances too wild and complicated to explain, Jack and his telepathic dog wind up on a fishing trawler in the mid-Atlantic, and Klass, without slackening the pace an iota, gives the reader a passionate, evocative and morally nuanced introduction to the horrors of factory fishing, complete with an authentic-sounding sea shanty and Gisco's angry denunciation of "Moby-Dick".

The New York Times - Books

One spin-off of this international networking is that it is all good ammunition to keep those nice state unemployment benefits people at bay, lest they think I am slackening the pace in my search for research work.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slackening pace", consider the specific context. It's most effective when describing a gradual reduction in speed or intensity of an ongoing process or activity. Be sure to specify what is experiencing the "slackening pace" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "slackening pace" when you mean something has come to a complete halt. The phrase implies a reduction in speed, not a cessation. If you intend to convey a full stop, use phrases like "came to a standstill" or "halted" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slackening pace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process or activity that is undergoing a reduction in speed or intensity. Ludwig shows that the expression is typically used to describe trends or rates of change in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slackening pace" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for describing a reduction in speed or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is well-regarded and found in reputable sources. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and academic contexts. When using "slackening pace", consider its analytical tone and be clear about what is experiencing the deceleration. Avoid using it when a complete stop is intended; opt for phrases like "came to a standstill" instead. Related phrases like "slowing down" or "decelerating rate" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowing down

A more direct and simple way of expressing a decrease in speed.

decelerating rate

Emphasizes the reduction in the rate of change or progress.

diminishing speed

Highlights the reduction in velocity or swiftness.

decline in velocity

A more formal and technical way to describe a reduction in speed.

slowing tempo

Focuses on the reduction of speed in a rhythmic context, often used in music or dance.

moderating speed

Suggests a controlled reduction in speed, often for safety or precision.

reduced tempo

Similar to slowing tempo, indicating a less hurried or energetic rhythm.

waning momentum

Implies a decrease in the driving force or energy behind an action or process.

lessening intensity

Focuses on a reduction in the strength or force of something.

easing off

Suggests a gradual reduction in effort or intensity.

FAQs

What does "slackening pace" mean?

The phrase "slackening pace" refers to a decrease or reduction in the speed or intensity of something. It suggests that something is slowing down but not necessarily stopping completely.

How can I use "slackening pace" in a sentence?

You might say, "The economic recovery is experiencing a "slackening pace"," meaning the recovery is not progressing as quickly as before. Ensure the context involves a process that can have a speed or intensity.

What are some alternatives to "slackening pace"?

Alternatives include "slowing down", "decelerating rate", or "easing off", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Is it grammatically correct to use "slackening pace"?

Yes, "slackening pace" is grammatically correct. It is a noun phrase that can be used as a subject or object in a sentence to describe a reduction in speed or intensity.