slightly slower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'slightly slower' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action, process, or speed that is happening at a lower than expected rate. For example, "The train took off slightly slower than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Slightly slower but without sanctions.

The Guardian

Now slightly slower than Q2 when they grew at 4.5%.

Columbia University

She remains so, if at a slightly slower speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The body rusted only slightly slower than overnight.

The New Yorker

It helped that Ms. Alsop took slightly slower tempos.

The New York Times - Arts

This setup is slightly slower than the bicycle but is much cheaper.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That allows for slightly slower expansion than last year's target of about 6.5percentt.

The New York Times

The action feels slightly slower than 2009 but is still much faster than FIFA.

The Guardian - Tech

Miller was only slightly slower at 59.61, maintaining his edge over the Canadian.

The New York Times - Sports

But two new categories of Red 2 would be treated on a slightly slower timetable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Notably, it only supports the-slightly-slower-than-the-Moment EVDO rev 0. [via Electronista].

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing speeds, clarify the baseline for comparison (e.g., "slightly slower than last year", or "slightly slower than expected").

Common error

Avoid using "slightly slower" when the difference is significant. Opt for alternatives like "considerably slower" or "much slower" to accurately reflect the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "slightly slower" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb of degree, to describe the extent to which something is slower. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly slower" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a minor reduction in speed or pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing situations where the difference is not substantial. It appears frequently in various contexts like news, science, and general writing, indicating its broad applicability. To ensure clarity, it's recommended to specify the baseline for comparison. When a more significant difference exists, consider using alternatives like "much slower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tad slower

Emphasizes a minimal difference in speed.

marginally slower

Highlights the small degree of reduction in pace.

a bit slower

Suggests a slightly more noticeable, though still minor, decrease in speed.

somewhat slower

Indicates a moderate reduction in speed.

fractionally slower

Focuses on the very small, almost imperceptible difference in pace.

not quite as fast

Uses a comparative structure to express a decrease in speed.

at a reduced pace

Emphasizes the pace or rhythm of movement being lower.

moderately slower

Implies a more substantial, yet still controlled, decrease in speed.

relatively slower

Indicates a slower pace in comparison to something else, without specifying the degree.

a touch slower

Highlights a delicate and subtle reduction in speed.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly slower" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly slower" to describe a marginal reduction in speed or pace. For example, "The economy is growing "slightly slower" than anticipated" or "The new software runs "slightly slower" on older computers".

What's the difference between "slightly slower" and "much slower"?

"Slightly slower" indicates a small difference in speed, while "much slower" suggests a more significant and noticeable reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "slightly slower"?

You can use alternatives like "a tad slower", "marginally slower", or "a bit slower", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always clear what the comparison is when using "slightly slower"?

No, it's important to provide context for clarity. Specify what is being compared to what. For example, instead of saying "The process is "slightly slower"", say "The process is "slightly slower" than the previous version".