Cool MateLike an old woman vs Slowly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Like an old woman
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Slowly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Most formal: SlowlyMost common: Slowly
| Like an old woman | Slowly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ən oʊld ˈwʊmən//🇺🇸 //laɪk æn oʊld ˈwɪmɪn// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsləʊli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsləʊli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Similar to the behavior or characteristics of an elderly woman. | Not quickly; at a low speed. |
| Example | He approached the new project like an old woman, double-checking every detail. | to **move/walk/turn slowly** |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | move like an old woman, talk like an old woman, act like an old woman | move slowly, speak slowly, walk slowly, grow slowly, eat slowly |
| Antonyms | - | quickly, rapidly |
| Common mistakes | Used in formal contexts where more respectful language is preferred., Confused with 'like an old man', which may carry different connotations. | Using 'slow' instead of 'slowly' as an adverb., Confusing 'slowly' with 'slowlily' which is incorrect., Misplacing 'slowly' in the sentence, causing awkward sentences. |
| Usage notes | Used informally to express disapproval or surprise at someone's behavior, typically emphasizing being overly cautious or slow. | Use 'slowly' when describing actions done at a slow pace. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly fast-paced or urgent discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Like an old woman vs Slowly
What's the difference between Like an old woman and Slowly?
Like an old woman: Similar to the behavior or characteristics of an elderly woman. Slowly: Not quickly; at a low speed.
Which is more formal: Like an old woman and Slowly?
Slowly is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Like an old woman and Slowly?
Slowly is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Like an old woman: He approached the new project like an old woman, double-checking every detail. Slowly: to **move/walk/turn slowly**
Can I use Like an old woman and Slowly interchangeably?
Not always. Like an old woman and Slowly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.