slow climb

USAGE SUMMARY

"slow climb" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a gradual increase in elevation, progress, or improvement over time. For example, "The team experienced a slow climb to success over the years." Alternative expressions include "gradual ascent," "steady rise," and "incremental growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Travel

Science

Arts

Lifestyle

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unemployment continued its slow climb.

The New York Times

Now begins the slow climb, to the 65-m.p.h.

The New York Times - Sports

Contador continues his slow climb up the standings, after a bad start to the race.

The New York Times - Sports

Were you watching the song's slow climb? A. I didn't have a bloody clue.

The New York Times - Arts

Sales dropped drastically in 2008 and 2009, then started a long, slow climb.

The New York Times

You grab a rusting tendril, balancing for the one slow climb.

The New York Times

Then, on issue five, we started this long, slow climb up.

The Guardian

But it has been a long slow climb to this peak of employment.

The New York Times

When the doctors permit, Licari can begin the long slow climb back to where he was.

The New York Times - Magazine

The race started, as all races should, with a long, slow climb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite the setback, Mattel seems poised to continue its slow climb back to profitability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slow climb" when you want to emphasize the gradual nature of progress or improvement, especially when overcoming obstacles or starting from a low point.

Common error

Avoid using "slow climb" when a rapid or immediate improvement is expected or desired. The phrase implies a lack of speed, which may be undesirable in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow climb" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "slow" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "climb". This structure indicates a gradual or unhurried ascent or progress. Ludwig AI showcases numerous examples of its use in describing economic recovery, career advancement, and physical ascents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slow climb" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe gradual progress or ascent. It typically carries a neutral tone and can be applied to a range of contexts, including economic recovery, personal development, and physical journeys. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms the phrase's versatility and frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While "slow climb" is widely accepted and understood, it's crucial to consider the potential connotations of a lack of speed in certain situations. Alternatives such as "gradual ascent", "steady increase", or "incremental growth" may be more appropriate depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual ascent

Focuses more on the physical act of climbing or rising.

steady increase

Emphasizes the continuous and consistent nature of the rise.

incremental growth

Highlights the small, step-by-step nature of the progress.

gradual improvement

Highlights the positive change and development over time.

leisurely ascent

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace of climbing.

gentle rise

Implies a mild and gradual increase.

moderate incline

Refers specifically to a slope or gradient.

measured progress

Focuses on the deliberate and controlled nature of the advancement.

unhurried advance

Emphasizes the lack of urgency in the progress.

sluggish increase

Suggests a slow and perhaps undesirable rate of growth.

FAQs

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

The phrase "slow climb" is used to describe a gradual ascent or progression. For example, "The company experienced a "slow climb" back to profitability after the recession".

What's a good alternative to "slow climb"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "gradual ascent", "steady increase", or "incremental growth".

What does "slow climb" imply about the situation?

The phrase suggests that progress is being made, but at a measured and unhurried pace. It often implies that there have been setbacks or challenges that have slowed the advancement.

Is "slow climb" more formal or informal?

The phrase "slow climb" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific situation than the level of formality.