slow rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"slow rate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is happening at a slow rate. For example, "The weeds are growing at a slow rate due to the drought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have an exceedingly slow rate of development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Photocatalytic (PC) reactions take place at a slow rate nonetheless.

Advances in Chemical Engineering

A slow rate of lot occupancy became a main issue to address.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Special soaker hoses can also deliver water at a slow rate.

Cornell University

He said he began to sell in February, but only at a slow rate.

The New York Times

He singled out the slow rate of release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

The New York Times

During the next twenty-three yearsheshe produced five more novels, a slow rate.

The New Yorker

Or the torturingly slow rate at which you're required to walk, as if wading through treacle?

The Guardian

Has he been frustrated at the slow rate of acceptance of solar technology?

The New York Times

Ms. Goldsmith's heart began to beat at an abnormally slow rate.

The New York Times - Style

Recruitment to the magistracy is continuing, albeit at a slow rate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes, use "slow rate" to emphasize that the changes are happening gradually over time. For instance, "The adoption of electric vehicles is occurring at a slow rate."

Common error

Avoid using "slow rate" without specifying what is slow. Provide context to clarify what process, growth, or change you are describing. For example, instead of just saying "the rate is slow", specify "the rate of economic recovery is slow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow rate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically sound and readily applicable in writing. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate diverse contexts in which this phrase can be implemented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

41%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slow rate" is a grammatically correct and versatile noun phrase, widely used across various domains to describe the speed at which something occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for both general and specific contexts. While it's frequently used in scientific and news-related articles, it can also appear in academic papers and other forms of writing. Keep in mind, based on the provided examples in Ludwig, that you should give context when using "slow rate". Alternatives like "gradual pace" or "sluggish tempo" can be used to add nuance or specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual pace

Changes the word "rate" to "pace" and "slow" to "gradual", focusing on the incremental aspect.

leisurely tempo

Replaces "rate" with "tempo", implying a slower, more relaxed speed or rhythm.

sluggish tempo

Replaces "slow" with "sluggish" adding a sense of inertia.

reduced velocity

Substitutes "rate" with "velocity", denoting a decrease in speed.

low frequency

Uses "frequency" instead of "rate", focusing on how often something occurs.

moderate delay

Shifts the focus to the delay caused by the slow rate.

measured rhythm

Emphasizes the controlled and deliberate nature of the slowness.

glacial speed

Highlights extreme slowness by comparing it to a glacier's movement.

creep speed

Focuses on the action to creep instead of the rate.

snail's pace

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey extreme slowness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slow rate" to describe the speed at which something is happening. For instance, "The project is progressing at a "slow rate" due to unforeseen delays."

What are some alternatives to "slow rate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "gradual pace", "leisurely tempo", or "sluggish tempo".

Is it better to say "slow rate" or "slower rate"?

"Slow rate" is a general descriptor, while "slower rate" implies a comparison. Use "slower rate" when comparing two rates, e.g., "The growth rate this year is at a "slower rate" than last year."

What's the difference between "slow rate" and "slow growth"?

"Slow rate" is a broader term that can apply to any process, while "slow growth" specifically refers to an increase in size, number, or value. For example, you might speak about a "slow rate of decay", but never a "slow growth of decay".