slow pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"slow pace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is progressing, or how something is happening or being done. For example, "Our team is taking a slow pace as we work through this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The slow pace helped.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just at a slow pace.

The New York Times

Beckett's slow pace looks natural and strategic.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, the slow pace stands out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The slow pace is a double failure.

The Washington Post

Done properly, philosophy moves at a slow pace.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Work is continuing, but at a slow pace.

Cornell University

Nothing Iona does is at a slow pace.

The New York Times - Sports

The composition's slow pace is restful but also funereal.

The New Yorker

My nagging injury — and slow pace — limited my weekday training.

The New York Times

The silence and slow pace of a flood is different.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slow pace" to describe a deliberate approach, especially when careful consideration is necessary. It can imply thoughtfulness and thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "slow pace" solely with a negative connotation. Context is key; sometimes a deliberate, unhurried approach is beneficial and should be framed positively. Don't always assume that something progressing at a "slow pace" is necessarily failing. The "slow pace" may be the strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow pace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it describing the rate of progress, speed of activities, or tempo of life. It is commonly used to depict the manner in which something is done or progresses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slow pace" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to describe the rate at which something progresses. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as news, academic writing, and general discourse. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying inefficiency or stagnation, it can also describe a deliberate, unhurried approach that may be desirable in certain situations. Alternatives like "leisurely rhythm" or "gradual tempo" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis. When using the phrase "slow pace", consider the context carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids unintended negative implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relaxed gait

Implies a comfortable and unforced pace, emphasizing ease and lack of tension.

unhurried stride

Highlights the lack of rush or urgency in the pace, emphasizing a relaxed approach.

moderate tempo

Suggests a pace that is neither fast nor slow, striking a balance between speed and control.

leisurely rhythm

Emphasizes a relaxed and unhurried tempo, suggesting a more enjoyable or less demanding pace.

deliberate speed

Implies a conscious choice to move at a slower rate, often for a specific reason or purpose.

gradual tempo

Focuses on the incremental nature of the pace, highlighting the small steps taken over time.

gentle lope

Conveys a light and easy pace, often associated with a sense of freedom or enjoyment.

measured tread

Suggests a deliberate and controlled pace, often implying caution or careful consideration.

plodding gait

Suggests a heavy and laborious pace, often associated with difficulty or exhaustion.

snail's crawl

Emphasizes extreme slowness, using a vivid image to convey the lack of progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "slow pace" in a sentence?

Use "slow pace" to describe the speed or rate at which something progresses. For instance, "The project is proceeding at a "slow pace" due to unforeseen challenges" or "She prefers to live life at a "slow pace", enjoying each moment".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slow pace"?

Alternatives include "leisurely rhythm", "gradual tempo", or "unhurried stride", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as having a "slow pace"?

Not necessarily. While "slow pace" can indicate inefficiency or delay, it can also suggest a deliberate, careful, or relaxed approach. The context determines whether the "slow pace" is beneficial or detrimental.

How does "slow pace" differ from "sluggish pace"?

"Slow pace" generally refers to a reduced speed or rate. "Sluggish pace", on the other hand, often implies a lack of energy or motivation behind the slowness, suggesting something is moving slowly due to being inefficient or lacking vitality. The "sluggish pace" is more negative.