slowing down

USAGE SUMMARY

"slowing down" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to indicate that an activity is decreasing in speed, intensity, or progression. For example, "The race car driver was slowing down as he approached the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not slowing down yet".

The New York Times - Sports

5 p.m.: Slowing down.

The New York Times

Slowing down, to a stop.

Independent

And it's not slowing down.

The New York Times

"It's slowing down," he said.

The New York Times

Is Your Cat Slowing Down?

Cornell University

What's slowing down AI adoption?

Stanford University

"Slowing down?" quips Andy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That requires slowing down.

Harvard Business Review

Accelerate is slowing down.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Am I slowing down?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowing down" to describe a gradual reduction in speed, intensity, or progress. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "slowing down" when a complete stop is intended. Instead, use phrases like "coming to a halt" or "stopping completely" to ensure clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slowing down" is that of a verb phrase, acting as a present participle modifying a noun or pronoun, or functioning as a gerund. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, confirming its verbal nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowing down" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a reduction in speed, intensity, or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While generally neutral in register, careful attention to context is crucial to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "decelerating" or "reducing pace" for nuanced expression. Remember to use "slowing down" to describe a gradual process of becoming less active or intense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decelerating

Focuses specifically on the reduction of speed.

reducing pace

Emphasizes a decrease in the rate of activity or progress.

easing off

Suggests a gradual decrease in effort or intensity.

slackening

Implies a loosening or reduction in tightness or activity.

becoming less active

Highlights a decline in overall activity level.

winding down

Suggests a gradual reduction of activity, often leading to a stop.

losing momentum

Indicates a decrease in the force or speed of movement or progress.

taking it easy

Implies a deliberate reduction in activity and stress.

becoming less intense

Focuses on a reduction in the strength or degree of something.

de-escalating

Indicates a reduction in intensity or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "slowing down" in a sentence?

You can use "slowing down" to describe a decrease in speed, activity, or progress. For example, "The economy is "slowing down"" or "The runner started "slowing down" near the finish line".

What are some alternatives to "slowing down"?

Some alternatives to "slowing down" include "decelerating", "reducing pace", or "easing off", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "slowed down" instead of "slowing down"?

Yes, "slowed down" is the past tense form of "slow down". "Slowing down" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For instance, "He slowed down" (past tense) vs. "He is slowing down" (present continuous).

What's the difference between "slowing down" and "breaking down"?

"Slowing down" refers to a decrease in speed or activity, while "breaking down" refers to ceasing to function, often due to mechanical failure or emotional distress. They have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable.