slow him down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow him down" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action of slowing someone's pace or progress. Here are two examples: 1. The coach instructed the runner to slow him down during the first mile of the race, in order to conserve energy for the final stretch. 2. We need to slow him down before he makes any rash decisions that could harm the company's reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That'll slow him down all right.

The Guardian - Sport

But it doesn't slow him down.

The New Yorker

"But I couldn't slow him down".

The New York Times - Sports

But you can sure slow him down".

The New York Times - Sports

But death doesn't slow him down.

The New York Times - Tech

"We'll slow him down, he'll get a rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

"But with Denard we have to slow him down".

The New York Times - Sports

Johnson has not let these setbacks slow him down.

The New York Times - Sports

"You just try to slow him down there.

The New York Times - Sports

"You're going to have to slow him down.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want to trap him or slow him down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slow him down" in writing, consider the context carefully. It can refer to physical speed, progress, or even enthusiasm. Choosing the right context will ensure your message is clear and impactful.

Common error

While "slow him down" is versatile, it may sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "impede his progress" or "restrain him" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow him down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "slow" acts as a verb modifying the pronoun "him". It expresses the action of reducing someone's speed, progress, or intensity. Ludwig provides many examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slow him down" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of reducing someone's pace, progress, or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it is generally considered neutral in register, and more formal alternatives like "impede his progress" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Understanding its nuances and potential alternatives will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decelerate him

Uses a more formal verb to convey the action of reducing speed.

restrain him

Emphasizes control and limitation of movement or action.

hold him back

Suggests preventing someone from moving forward, physically or metaphorically.

inhibit his speed

Specifically targets the reduction of velocity or quickness.

impede his progress

Focuses on hindering advancement rather than just speed.

stifle his momentum

Highlights the suppression of forward drive or energy.

put the brakes on him

Idiomatic expression indicating a sudden stop or slowdown.

hamper his efforts

Indicates making it difficult for someone to achieve something.

curb his enthusiasm

Targets the reduction of zeal or eagerness, leading to a slower pace.

retard his advancement

A more formal and somewhat dated way to express hindering progress.

FAQs

How can I use "slow him down" in a sentence?

You can use "slow him down" to describe actions that reduce someone's pace, progress, or intensity. For example, "The coach told the player to slow him down during the first half of the game".

What are some alternatives to "slow him down"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "decelerate him", "impede his progress", or "hold him back".

Is it grammatically correct to say "slow him down"?

Yes, "slow him down" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "slow him down" and "stop him"?

"Slow him down" implies reducing someone's speed or progress, while "stop him" means completely preventing them from continuing. The former is a reduction, while the latter is a complete halt.