Slow sb down Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Slow sb down” Mean?

“Slow sb down” means to cause someone to move or progress more slowly than usual.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “slow sb down” is commonly used in English to describe situations where a person’s speed or progress is reduced. Whether talking about physical movement, work pace, or even emotional reactions, “slow sb down meaning” involves making someone less fast or efficient. This phrase is useful in everyday conversation when explaining delays or obstacles that affect how quickly someone can do something.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: slow somebody down
• Type: Transitive
• Level: A2–B2
• Short meaning: To make someone move or work more slowly

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Slow sb down” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between “slow” and “down” or after “down.”

• slow somebody down
• slow down somebody

Both forms are correct, but placing the object between the verb and particle is more common.

How to Use Slow sb down?

Use “slow sb down” when describing situations where someone’s speed or progress is reduced. It can refer to physical movement, work tasks, or even mental processes. The verb is always followed by a person or animal as the object.

Example: The heavy traffic slowed the driver down.

Examples

Sometimes, unexpected problems can slow people down in their work or travel.

• The rain slowed the runners down during the marathon.
• The old computer slows me down when I try to finish my tasks.
• Don’t let small mistakes slow you down.
• Her injury slowed her down for several weeks.
• Slow sb down in a sentence: The traffic jam slowed me down on my way to the meeting.

Common Mistakes

It is common to confuse the placement of the object or use the wrong preposition.

• Incorrect: The noise slowed down me.
• Correct: The noise slowed me down.
• Incorrect: She slow down the team.
• Correct: She slows the team down.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “hold sb back” and “set sb back.” However, “slow sb down” focuses on reducing speed or progress, while “hold sb back” means to prevent progress entirely, and “set sb back” refers to causing delay or loss, often financially.

• Hold sb back: Prevent progress or success
• Set sb back: Cause delay or expense
• Slow sb down: Reduce speed or pace

Common Collocations

You will often hear “slow sb down” with these objects:

• Traffic: Vehicles causing delays
• Injury: Physical harm reducing movement
• Problems: Issues causing delays
• Obstacles: Barriers that reduce speed
• Work: Tasks that take longer than expected

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of slow sb down:

• Slow Sth Down
• Slow Sth Up
• Slow Sb Up

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a conversation using “slow sb down”:

Anna: Why were you late this morning?

Ben: The traffic really slowed me down. There was an accident on the highway.

Anna: That’s frustrating. I hope it clears up soon.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence using “slow sb down”:

• A) The rain slow me down during my run.
• B) The rain slowed me down during my run.
• C) The rain slows down me during my run.

Answer: B) The rain slowed me down during my run.

FAQ

• Q: Can “slow sb down” be used in formal writing?
  A: Yes, but it is more common in spoken and informal English.
• Q: Is “slow sb down” separable?
  A: Yes, you can separate the object from the verb and particle.
• Q: Can it refer to mental processes?
  A: Yes, it can describe slowing down thoughts or reactions.
• Q: Is there a difference between “slow down” and “slow sb down”?
  A: “Slow down” is intransitive (no object), while “slow sb down” is transitive and needs an object.
• Q: Can animals be slowed down?
  A: Yes, for example, “The rough terrain slowed the horses down.”