What are the definitions of “slow up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Slow the progress of something.
The negotiations were SLOWED UP by the arguments.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slow up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slow up is to slow down the progress or movement of something. It is often used when talking about a process or activity that is taking longer than expected due to some obstacles or difficulties.
What are the different verb forms of “slow up”?
| Root Verb | slow up |
| Third Person Singular Present | slows up |
| Present Participle | slowing up |
| Simple Past | slowed up |
| Past Participle | slowed up |
Example
The heavy traffic slowed up our journey.
Example
The construction work slows up the traffic every morning.
Example
The rain is slowing up the progress of the outdoor event.
Example
The unexpected issue slowed up the project's completion.
Example
The process was slowed up by the lack of resources.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slow up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“slow up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The bad weather slowed up the construction work.
Example
The arguments slowed up the negotiations.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“slow up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The bad weather slowed up the construction work.
Example
The arguments slowed up the negotiations.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slow up”?
Good things to know
Does “slow up” have an informal or formal tone?
Slow up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “slow up”?
Synonyms
- decelerate
- delay
- hinder
- impede
- obstruct
- slow down
- reduce speed
- retard
Antonyms
- accelerate
- hasten
- expedite
- facilitate
- advance
- promote
- speed up
- boost
