slow as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow as a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something or someone that is very slow, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. Example: "The traffic was slow as a snail this morning." Alternative expressions include "slow as molasses" and "slow as a tortoise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Clary chews her food slow as a thought.

The Guardian - Books

I am piecing a survey together, slow as a snail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And McLaren have looked as slow as a hearse this week.

The Guardian - Sport

It's also as fuzzy and slow as a bear swimming through molasses.

The Guardian - Music

Has Rotherham tumbled ovver into't sea?" Move forward again in time, slow as a Test match.

The Guardian - Sport

But the conversion effort has proved as slow as a New Orleans funeral dirge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

While the Knicks are floundering, with their undersized inside presence, their slow-as-a-sunset point guard and their dependable defensive lapses, the Lakers are, as Phil Jackson said, "gathering strength as a team".

The New York Times - Sports

Snipes, a Democrat who was first appointed to her post in 2003 by then Governor Jeb Bush, is taking fire from GOP leaders for her office's slow-as-a-turtle vote tallying that chipped away at the narrow margins Scott, DeSantis, and Caldwell held over their opponents at the end of Election Day.

Vice

Configured properly it can even smoke low and slow as well as a dedicated smoker.

Huffington Post

The sequence enters slow motion as a slow piano version of the Blackadder theme is played.

Wikipedia

Slow, as Carl Honoré, a Canadian journalist living in London, pointed out, is sometimes just a state of mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slow as a", consider the context and choose the most appropriate comparison. For instance, "slow as a snail" might be suitable for describing movement, while "slow as molasses" could describe progress.

Common error

While "slow as a" is acceptable, avoid relying solely on overused comparisons like "slow as a snail" in every situation. Vary your descriptions to maintain reader interest and provide more vivid imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow as a" functions as a comparative simile, used to emphasize the lack of speed in something by drawing a comparison to something else known for its slowness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slow as a" is a common and grammatically sound comparative simile used to emphasize slowness. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms that it functions descriptively, adding vividness or humor. While it appears frequently in News & Media, and Science, it's important to avoid overusing clichéd comparisons and to vary your descriptions for a more engaging writing style. By using "slow as a" judiciously, you can effectively convey the intended degree of slowness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a snail's pace

This provides a common idiomatic expression for extreme slowness.

extremely slow

This alternative uses an intensifier to emphasize the slowness, rather than a simile.

very sluggish

Replaces 'slow' with a synonym, 'sluggish', to describe a lack of speed or activity.

proceeding at a crawl

This creates a vivid image of something moving very slowly.

taking its time

This suggests that something is not rushed.

leisurely pace

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried speed.

moving deliberately

This phrase implies a slow pace that is intentional, rather than inherent.

dawdling along

Implies a slow and somewhat aimless movement.

unhurriedly

This adverb describes an action done without haste.

gradual progression

Describes a slow and steady advance.

FAQs

How can I use "slow as a" in a sentence?

You can use "slow as a" to compare the speed of something to another object or concept known for its slowness. For example, "The internet connection was "slow as a snail"" or "Progress on the project was "slow as molasses"".

What are some alternatives to "slow as a"?

Some alternatives include "extremely slow", "very sluggish", "at a snail's pace", or describing the action using adverbs like "leisurely" or "unhurriedly". Depending on the context, you could also say "gradual progression".

Which is more effective, "slow as a snail" or "extremely slow"?

The effectiveness depends on the desired impact. "Slow as a snail" is more vivid and idiomatic, providing a clear image. "Extremely slow" is more direct and can be suitable in formal contexts where figurative language is less appropriate. For example, "extremely slow" may be better in technical writing.

What is the difference between "slow as a" and "slower than"?

"Slow as a" is a simile used for comparison, highlighting the degree of slowness in relation to something else. "Slower than" is a comparative adjective, directly stating that something is less fast compared to something else. While similar, "slower than" is a more straightforward comparison.