Slowly vs. Slow: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 2, 2023
"Slowly" is an adverb describing the manner of an action. "Slow" is an adjective describing the characteristic of a noun.
Key Differences
Slowly refers to the speed at which an action is performed and is used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating that something happens at a leisurely or reduced pace. Slow, however, is primarily used as an adjective, providing a description of a noun or pronoun, suggesting a lack of speed or a reduced rate of movement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
When one says "He drives slowly," the adverb 'slowly' describes the manner in which 'he' is performing the action of driving. In contrast, in "He is a slow driver," the adjective 'slow' is describing the noun 'driver', giving us information about the driver's usual speed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
If we consider the sentence, "She spoke slowly to ensure understanding," 'slowly' is giving us details about how she spoke. On the flip side, "The slow speech was difficult to follow" uses 'slow' to describe the noun 'speech', commenting on its pace.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
The instruction "Please read slowly" applies 'slowly' directly to the verb 'read', asking for the action of reading to be done at a slower pace. In a different context, "The slow reader took extra time to finish the book," 'slow' is characterizing the noun 'reader', telling us that the reader generally reads at a slower pace.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
In writing, using 'slowly' enhances the description of actions, giving a narrative a more detailed pacing. For example, "The sun sank slowly below the horizon," provides a visual pace to the sunset. Whereas using 'slow' sets the scene or describes a characteristic, as in "The slow summer days stretched on endlessly," giving us a general sense of time passing.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in a Sentence
To indicate how an action is performed
To describe the nature or characteristic of something
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Position in Sentence
Typically follows the verb it modifies
Precedes the noun it describes or follows a linking verb
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
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Slowly and Slow Definitions
Slow
Operating at reduced or less than desired speed.
My computer is slow today.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
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Slow
Taking or requiring a long time.
It was a slow process to get the results.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Slow
Not moving quickly; at a reduced pace.
Traffic was slow after the accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Slowly
With deliberate, unhurried action.
He slowly turned the key in the lock.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Slowly
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022
Slow
Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed
A slow train.
Slow walkers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2022
FAQs
Can I use slowly with non-action verbs?
Slowly is best used with action verbs since it describes the manner of an action.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Is slowly always related to movement?
Slowly typically describes the pace of an action, which often involves movement.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Is slow used for performance?
Yes, slow can describe the performance of a device or person, indicating reduced efficiency.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Can slow be used as an adverb?
Yes, in informal English, slow can sometimes function as an adverb, as in "Go slow."
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Can slow describe personality?
Yes, slow can describe someone's nature, like being slow to anger.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Does slowly have a comparative form?
Yes, more slowly or slower can be used as the comparative form of slowly.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Can slow be used before verbs?
As an adjective, no. As an informal adverb, sometimes, as in "Drive slow."
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can slowly describe a period of time?
Slowly can describe the perceived length of time, as in "The days went by slowly."
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Does slow always imply a negative connotation?
Not always, in some contexts slow is positive, like "slow-cooked" implying careful preparation.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can I use slow as an adverb in formal writing?
In formal writing, it's best to use slowly as the adverbial form.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can slowly be used figuratively?
Yes, slowly can be used to describe actions or changes metaphorically.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Is it correct to say "a slow run"?
Yes, this implies the run was at a slow pace.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Does slowly have synonyms?
Yes, words like gradually, unhurriedly, and leisurely are synonyms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Does slow describe time?
Slow can describe the passage of time, as in "time moves slow."
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Can slow modify another adjective?
No, slow is an adjective and can't modify another adjective.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Can I use slowly in a sentence without a verb?
No, slowly needs a verb to modify.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
Is slowly only for physical actions?
No, it can also describe the rate of change in situations or emotional responses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Is "move slow" grammatically correct?
It's correct in informal English, though "move slowly" is the standard adverbial form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
