English Reference

Phrasal verb

slow up

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

slow up

Past

slowed up

Past participle

slowed up

Definition

phrasal verb. to move or happen more slowly. You use this when you want someone to reduce their speed or when a process takes longer than usual.

phrasal verb. to reduce the speed of movement or the rate of progress. While often synonymous with 'slow down', it frequently implies a temporary delay or a physical obstruction causing the deceleration.

Examples

“The traffic began to slow up as we approached the construction zone.”

“We need to slow up a bit so the rest of the group can catch up with us.”

“The supply chain issues are likely to slow up production for the remainder of the fiscal quarter.”

Examples

simple

“The traffic began to slow up as we approached the construction zone.”

contextual

“We need to slow up a bit so the rest of the group can catch up with us.”

complex

“The supply chain issues are likely to slow up production for the remainder of the fiscal quarter.”

Usage

can be used both transitively (slowing something else) and intransitively (slowing oneself).

Teaching tip

compare with 'slow down'; 'slow up' is less common in modern American English and often carries a nuance of being hindered by an external factor.

Pitfall

The rain slowed up the game down.

The rain slowed up the game.

do not combine 'up' and 'down' in the same phrasal verb; choose one particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

slow + up (+ object)

Synonyms

delaydecelerateslow downbrake

Antonyms

speed upacceleratehasten

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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