slower

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slower' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in reference to the speed at which something is happening or being done. For example, "The car started to move at a much slower pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has not stopped me campaigning but it has made me slower and made campaigning more difficult".

The Guardian

The Paris-based thinktank notes the budget deficit has been "significantly reduced since the peak of 2009, but at a slower pace recently notably as growth has been insufficiently tax-rich".

The Guardian - Business

High inflation and minimal wage growth led to falling real incomes and a slower recovery.

The Guardian - Business

The construction was slower than planned and did not finish until 4 November.

The Guardian

"Against a pessimistic backdrop, this report shows the global public's tendency towards nostalgia, allied to a strong sense that traditions are important, and a desire for a slower pace of life and simplification," said Ben Page, Ipsos Mori's chief executive.

The Guardian

It doesn't really fit with Osborne's narrative, but he has significantly modified his deficit and debt reduction targets in response to slower than expected growth.

The Guardian - Business

"The problem at Surbiton meant all trains towards London had to travel slower than usual, while platforms 8-14 were not available at Waterloo.

The Guardian

"The improvement in labour market conditions, including the pick-up in hiring reported in broader survey data, looks set to provide further support to real wage growth," Clarke adds, though she forecasts a slower rate of pay growth than the consensus, going for 1.8%.

The Guardian

In their introduction to the memoirs, the economists Graham Hacche and Christopher Taylor, who worked for Dow, note that "the main worries for UK watchers when Dow entered the Bank were slower trend productivity growth than in other major economies, persistent balance of payment problems, and an upward trend in inflation".

The Guardian - Business

His 181 came from 335 balls although it was slower going today, as he added only two boundaries in the morning session.

The Guardian - Sport

But moving into higher education, I saw the sector had been slower in realising the potential impact creative marketing can have on student recruitment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing speeds, clarify what is being compared. For example, "The new software runs slower than the old version" provides a clear comparison.

Common error

Ensure that the comparison is clear. Saying "The process is slower" without specifying what it is slower than can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slower" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a lower degree of speed relative to something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Sport

10%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slower" functions as a comparative adjective used to indicate a reduced speed or pace relative to something else. It is grammatically correct and common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and its application consistent. When using "slower", ensure the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "less rapid" or "at a reduced pace" can be employed for nuanced expression. Remember that because it's already in the comparative form, it is incorrect to say "more slower".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a reduced pace

Rephrases "slower" using a more descriptive and formal tone, emphasizing the rate of activity.

less quickly

Uses a different adverb to convey the reduced speed.

at a more moderate rate

Suggests a decrease to a more balanced or controlled speed.

less rapid

Emphasizes a decrease in speed using more formal vocabulary.

less hastily

Indicates a decrease in hurriedness or impulsiveness.

more gradually

Highlights the progressive nature of the reduced pace.

with less velocity

Emphasizes a reduction in speed from a physics perspective.

more deliberately

Indicates a reduction in speed due to increased care or intention.

at a more leisurely pace

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried tempo.

more sedately

Implies a calm and composed slowness, often in movement.

FAQs

How can I use "slower" in a sentence?

"Slower" is a comparative adjective. For example, "The train was "slower than" the bullet train", or "Growth is "slower than expected"".

What are some alternatives to the word "slower"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "less rapid", "more gradually", or "at a reduced pace".

Is it correct to say "more slower"?

No, "more slower" is generally considered incorrect. Since "slower" is already a comparative form, you don't need to add "more". Just use "slower".

What is the difference between "slower" and "slowest"?

"Slower" is the comparative form, used to compare two things. "Slowest" is the superlative form, used to indicate the least fast among three or more things.