slower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'slower than' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare the speed of two objects or activities. For example: "The turtle runs much slower than the rabbit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

slower than that.

The New York Times

slower than his fastball.

The New York Times

slower than last year.

The New York Times - Sports

slower than his previous low.

The New York Times - Sports

"The pace was slower than I anticipated.

The New York Times - Sports

But hardware is slower than software.

The New Yorker

He finished 15th, 2.5sec slower than Rosberg.

Independent

It is slower than a military assault.

The New York Times

It is slower than Call of Duty.

The New York Times - Tech

slower than Parnell does, marvels at him.

The New York Times - Sports

Wireless connections are slower than wired ones.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing speeds, ensure the reference point is clear and well-defined for accurate comparison. For instance, instead of just stating "This car is slower than others", specify "This car is slower than the average sports car."

Common error

Avoid using "slower than" without a clear point of reference. Saying "the process is slower than expected" is vague. Clarify by stating, "The process is slower than initially projected" or "slower than the previous iteration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slower than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one entity possesses a lower degree of speed or rate when compared to another. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, "slower than" is a ubiquitous comparative phrase employed to articulate differences in speed across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage. The analysis reveals that it's grammatically correct, and its prevalence in news, scientific publications, and general writing underscores its versatility. While alternatives exist, such as "less rapid than" or "not as fast as", the directness and clarity of "slower than" make it a reliable choice for expressing comparative speed. Remember to provide a clear reference point when using this phrase for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not as fast as

A common and simple way to express lower speed.

Less rapid than

Emphasizes reduced speed using more formal vocabulary.

Less swift than

A more elegant and less common way to say "slower than".

At a reduced pace compared to

A more descriptive and elaborate way to express a slower rate.

More gradual than

Highlights the difference in pace using "gradual" instead of "slow".

Moving at a diminished rate relative to

Uses formal language to convey reduced speed.

Laggier than

Informal and emphasizes a delay or sluggishness.

Outpaced by

Focuses on being overtaken due to lower speed.

Crawling compared to

Emphasizes extreme slowness through vivid imagery.

More leisurely than

Suggests a relaxed pace instead of simply slower speed.

FAQs

How do I use "slower than" in a sentence?

Use "slower than" to compare the speed of two things, indicating that one is moving or progressing at a lesser rate. For example, "The snail is "slower than" the rabbit."

What are some alternatives to saying "slower than"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "not as fast as", "less rapid than", or "more gradual than" as alternatives to ""slower than"".

Is it correct to say "more slow than" instead of "slower than"?

No, "more slow than" is grammatically incorrect. The correct comparative form of "slow" is ""slower than"". Using "more slow" is redundant because "slower" already expresses the comparative degree.

When should I use "slower than" versus other comparative phrases?

Use ""slower than"" when specifically comparing the speed or rate of movement or progress. For other types of comparisons, consider phrases like "less expensive than" or "smaller than", which are appropriate for comparing other qualities.