sort of slow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of slow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat slow, indicating a degree of slowness without being absolute. Example: "The internet connection is sort of slow today, making it difficult to stream videos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"That sort of slow motion thing makes sense.

The Guardian - Sport

"They're amused by the films," he said, "but they find them sort of slow".

The New York Times

The governor was soon in the sort of slow slugfest his foes excelled at.

The Economist

"I just feel we've been sort of slow in implementing it".

The New York Times - Health

The sort of slow that makes even cautious overtaking slightly tricky.

Independent

And I've learned to sort of slow down, take a deep breath.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It has been described by some health experts as a sort of slow-food movement for the clerical soul.

The New York Times

"I thought it was going to be this sort of slow-paced philosophical ramble, but it actually really moves along," she said.

The New York Times

The good news, I guess, is that we've been experiencing a sort of slow-motion meltdown, lacking in dramatic Black Fridays and such.

The New York Times

A calendar is a sort of slow-motion clock, usually in the line of sight, marketing the passage of time, appointments, birthdays, holidays and other important events.

The New York Times

One was for the subject to watch one of his own hands as he opened and closed it in a sort of slow-motion shadow-puppet routine, about once a second.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of slow" to indicate a degree of slowness without being absolute, providing a nuanced description.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "sort of slow" in your writing. While useful, overuse can make your descriptions vague. Vary your language with more precise terms like "slightly slow" or "moderately slow" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of slow" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically a degree modifier. It qualifies the adjective "slow", indicating the extent or degree to which something is slow. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of slow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to describe something that is moderately slow. Ludwig confirms its acceptability across diverse sources, particularly in news, media and science. Its function is to soften claims of slowness, and while versatile, writers should avoid overuse. Alternatives like "somewhat slow" or "a bit slow" can add variety. As a degree modifier, it enhances nuance in writing. The linguistic analysis underscores its neutral register and utility in expressing measured degrees of slowness. Overall, "sort of slow" is a useful tool for precise and subtle descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat slow

Indicates a moderate degree of slowness, similar to "sort of slow".

kind of slow

A more informal synonym, suggesting a slight degree of slowness.

slightly slow

Emphasizes a small degree of slowness.

a bit slow

Informal and indicates a minor degree of slowness.

moderately slow

Suggests a medium level of slowness, more formal.

rather slow

Implies a noticeable degree of slowness.

gradually slow

Focuses on the slowness as a process or change over time.

relatively slow

Highlights slowness in comparison to something else.

somewhat delayed

Emphasizes the delay aspect of slowness.

not very fast

Expresses slowness by negating speed.

FAQs

What does "sort of slow" mean?

"Sort of slow" means something is somewhat slow, not extremely slow, but not fast either. It indicates a moderate degree of slowness.

What can I say instead of "sort of slow"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat slow", "kind of slow", or "slightly slow" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sort of slow"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Sort of" is used as a degree modifier, making "sort of slow" an acceptable way to describe something that is somewhat slow.

What's the difference between "sort of slow" and "very slow"?

"Sort of slow" implies a moderate degree of slowness, while "very slow" indicates a much higher degree of slowness. "Very slow" is more emphatic.