slowly but consistently

USAGE SUMMARY

'slowly but consistently' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something has been taking place in a gradual, methodical manner. Example: She has been slowly but consistently working to improve her skills over the past few months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Though it is absent of all that is beach life, changes are happening slowly but consistently; though life seems as if it stays the same day to day, it is growing ever so slightly every second.

The New York Times

But he wants to set modest ambitions for his club next season and work slowly but consistently on improving.

BBC

After a dramatic dip in the early 1990s, major dollars have been returning slowly but consistently to this market.

Forbes

Perhaps Bultrini's greatest accomplishment is in paving the way for more candid and less polarized discussion on an issue that is slowly but consistently gnawing at the very heart of the Tibetan Buddhist world.

Huffington Post

However, it's not recommended that you go cold turkey — try to ease into a healthy diet by slowly, but consistently replacing the bad with the good.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What's more likely is that interest in the iPhone 5c burns more slowly, but perhaps more consistently – its target shoppers aren't the type to rush out to a launch day celebration, and are much more likely to be swayed by in-store specials and carrier/retailer discounts as time goes on and their contracts run out.

TechCrunch

And that's before you consider the very real consequences of seasonal affective disorder, which consumes you, quietly and slowly but ever so consistently, until you are a shell of your Summer self.  .

Huffington Post

Maybe not with all the problem children in your life, and maybe not all at once, but slowly and consistently the drama dies down, interactions go more smoothly, or the universe simply moves you away from those who aren't in alignment with your "vibe" and vice versa.

Huffington Post

You can increase your comfort level with risk slowly and consistently over time--taking small but consistent steps which will eventually lead to bigger gains than a one-time gamble on the risky move paying off.

Huffington Post

That's a decline on the jobs number from January's revised-up value of 284,000 but it's a growth rate consistent with a slowly and consistently improving job market.

Huffington Post

Her entire life she has defied my expectations – slowly, yes – two steps forward one step back, most certainly, but consistently across many aspects of her life Emma has shown that she gets there in the end.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowly but consistently" to describe processes or efforts where steady progress is more important than rapid advancement. This emphasizes reliability and long-term success over immediate results.

Common error

Avoid using "slowly but consistently" in contexts where speed is a critical factor. The phrase inherently emphasizes a lack of quick progress, which can be detrimental in time-sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly but consistently" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the method of performing an action, denoting both the pace and the reliability of the process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly but consistently" is a grammatically correct and functional adverbial phrase used to describe actions that are performed with steady, reliable progress, even if the pace is not fast. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it is most commonly found in news and media. It is important to note that, while the phrase emphasizes reliability, it inherently acknowledges a lack of speed, making it unsuitable for situations where quick action is essential. Related phrases like "gradually yet steadily" or "incrementally but surely" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually yet steadily

Emphasizes a gradual pace with unwavering progress, highlighting stability and reliability.

incrementally but surely

Focuses on small, increasing steps with a high degree of certainty in achieving the desired outcome.

leisurely but persistently

Implies a relaxed pace combined with determined effort, underscoring the unyielding nature of the action.

moderately but reliably

Suggests a balanced approach with dependable results, emphasizing dependability.

deliberately but unfalteringly

Highlights careful consideration alongside unwavering determination, indicating a calculated approach.

patiently but relentlessly

Combines a composed demeanor with an unyielding pursuit, underscoring perseverance.

bit by bit yet resolutely

Focuses on a step-by-step method with strong determination, highlighting small but decisive actions.

steadily if slowly

Inverts the original phrase to emphasize steadiness even if the pace is not fast, but implies a slower progression.

surely if gradually

Similar to the previous one, places emphasis on the certainty of the outcome despite the slowness.

methodically but invariably

Highlights the methodical approach coupled with an invariable outcome, stressing predictability and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "slowly but consistently" in a sentence?

You can use "slowly but consistently" to describe any process that requires steady effort over time, such as "She improved her fitness "slowly but consistently" by exercising every day".

What does "slowly but consistently" emphasize?

The phrase "slowly but consistently" emphasizes the importance of steady progress and reliability over rapid or sporadic achievements. It highlights that even small steps, when taken regularly, can lead to significant long-term results.

What phrases are similar to "slowly but consistently"?

Alternatives to "slowly but consistently" include "gradually yet steadily", "incrementally but surely", or "steadily if slowly", each with a slightly different emphasis on the pace and certainty of the progress.

Is there a situation where "slowly but consistently" might not be appropriate?

Yes, "slowly but consistently" is not appropriate when describing situations where speed or immediate action is critical. In time-sensitive scenarios, emphasizing the slow pace can be counterproductive.