slow of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is not quick to understand or respond, often in a figurative sense. Example: "He is slow of comprehension when it comes to complex topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Approaching 60 now, he is slow of gait.

The Guardian

WILLETT -- Thornton Win slow, of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Slow of foot, blessed with skill, they were all pieces of Bird.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to what had been thought, T. rex was slow of foot.

The New York Times

Off went Mike Phillips, slow of pass but the very symbol of the Lions' confrontational attitude.

The Guardian - Sport

Almost as tall as Manning, he was bulkier, clumsy in his movements, slow of speech.

The New Yorker

You can develop a distinct advantage by waxing slow of wit.

The New Yorker

Rihanna has grown into the Clint Eastwood of pop — slow of step, eagle-eyed, and unbiddable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For the slow-of-wit, Romney clarified his idea by adding that a similar disparity exists between other neighboring countries like Mexico and the United States.

Huffington Post

★ Sagittarius 22 Nov-21 Dec The go-slow of early January is over.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There is a vicious circle," she said, "between the negative statements of some E.U. leaders and a go-slow of reform in Turkey".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "slow of" to describe processes or systems that are gradual or behind schedule, offering a nuanced way to convey inefficiency or delay. For example, "The project was slow of progress due to unforeseen complications."

Common error

Avoid using "slow of" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. While grammatically correct, it may sound archaic or less direct than alternatives like "lacking speed" or "experiencing delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow of" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating a lack of speed, quickness, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slow of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes a lack of speed, quickness, or understanding. As Ludwig AI validates, it's acceptable for use in written English. While it appears across various contexts, it's more commonly found in news and media, science and encyclopedia sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid unintended offense, and consider alternatives like "not quick to understand" or "delayed in progress" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quick to comprehend

Emphasizes the time it takes to understand something.

struggling to grasp

Indicates difficulty in understanding or learning.

lacking in speed

Focuses on the absence of velocity or quickness.

delayed in progress

Focuses on the slowed or halted advancement of something.

deficient in understanding

Highlights a deficit in comprehension or intellect.

not fast at processing

Relates to the speed of cognitive or computational processing.

lethargic in movement

Describes slowness in physical action or motion.

ponderous in thought

Suggests a heavy or slow thinking process.

tardiness in action

Highlights the delay or lateness in taking action.

unresponsive to stimuli

Indicates a delayed or absent reaction to external factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "slow of" to describe someone or something that lacks speed or understanding. For example, "He is slow of speech" or "The process was slow of progress".

What does "slow of heart" mean?

"Slow of heart" typically means being hesitant or reluctant to believe something, often due to a lack of faith or understanding. It suggests a resistance to accepting new ideas or truths.

What are some alternatives to "slow of"?

Alternatives include "lacking in speed", "not quick to comprehend", or "delayed in progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "slow of understanding" or "slow to understand"?

Both "slow of understanding" and "slow to understand" are grammatically correct, but "slow to understand" is more common in modern English. "Slow of understanding" may sound slightly more formal or archaic.