slow in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow in progress" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is taking longer than expected to develop or complete. Example: "The project is slow in progress, and we may need to adjust our timeline."

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Forbes

Science Magazine

The New York Times

The Guardian - Music

Bone and Joint Research

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

The Guardian - Money

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I know this illness is supposed to be slow in progressing, but how slow?

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

While the EU announced the opening of negotiations with Bosnia for an SAA a year ago, the commission reports a slowing in progress in key areas such as police reform.

Forbes

After all the effort you've put in, progress seems slow.

Science Magazine

But the conversion is still a slow work in progress.

The New York Times

"It's been a slow work in progress from now to back then," she says.

The Guardian - Music

However, unlike normal chondrocytes, RUNX2 expression in OA chondrocytes was significantly less in both 25 µM and 50 µM cultures when compared with controls (Fig. 4), possibly suggesting that OA chondrocytes were slower in progressing to the hypertrophic chondrocyte stage or had lost the capacity for osteogenic differentiation.

Bone and Joint Research

Strains bearing HsDDK showed a similar pattern, but they were slightly slower in progressing through the cell cycle than cells with ScDDK after release from HU, particularly in the initial recovery from HU. DDK is important for yeast to respond to replicative stress.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

I was painstakingly slow in my progress in comparison with them and as a result was always trying too hard.

The Guardian - Money

"I was painstakingly slow in my progress in comparison with them," he added.

BBC

A chronic condition can be defined as a medical condition that is slow in its progress and long in its continuance.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The New York police commissioner, Bill Bratton, has confirmed that there is a work-slow protest in progress among NYPD officers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more direct and active language when describing the status of a project or situation. Instead of "slow in progress", try "progressing slowly" or "encountering delays" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is acted upon, as it can obscure responsibility and make the writing seem less engaging. For example, instead of "Progress is being made slowly", use "We are making slow progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow in progress" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, describing the manner or rate at which something is advancing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not an extremely common phrase, so using more active and clear phrasing can improve the effectiveness of your writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slow in progress" is used to describe something that isn't advancing at the desired rate. While grammatically acceptable, it's not the most common or direct phrasing, which Ludwig AI also indicates. For clearer communication, consider alternatives like "progressing slowly" or "behind schedule". When writing, avoid passive voice and aim for specificity to convey the situation effectively. The phrase appears in various contexts, from news to scientific discussions, but more direct language is preferable in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing slowly

A more direct way of saying progress is not rapid.

behind schedule

Indicates that something is not progressing according to the expected timetable.

making limited headway

Emphasizes the small amount of progress being made.

lacking momentum

Indicates a deficiency in the force driving progress.

progressing with difficulty

Highlights the challenges involved in making progress.

advancing at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to describe the slow rate of progress.

getting nowhere fast

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of real progress.

stalled in its development

Focuses on the lack of forward movement.

encountering delays

Emphasizes the obstacles hindering progress.

moving at a measured pace

Suggests a deliberate, but slow, rate of advancement.

FAQs

What does "slow in progress" mean?

The phrase "slow in progress" describes a situation where something is not advancing or developing as quickly as expected or desired. It indicates a lack of momentum or significant delays.

Are there alternatives to saying "slow in progress"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "developing slowly", "making limited headway", or "behind schedule" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "slow in progress"?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrasing "slow in progress" can sound awkward. It's generally better to use more direct phrasing such as "progressing slowly" or "the progress is slow".

How can I make my writing clearer when describing something that is not advancing quickly?

To improve clarity, use active voice and specific language. Instead of saying "the project is slow in progress", try "the project is "behind schedule" due to unforeseen complications".