Slow past tense

Meaning of slow

to reduce the speed or rate of something.

Infinitive

Word: slow /sloʊ/

Examples:

1. Traffic usually slows down during rush hour.
2. He always slows his pace to enjoy the scenery.
3. This computer slows considerably when multiple programs are running.

Past Simple

Word: slowed /sloʊd/

Examples:

1. The production process slowed considerably after the machine malfunctioned.
2. They slowed their pace as they approached the dense fog blanketing the road.
3. As the movie reached its climax, my heartbeat slowed, allowing me to breathe easier.

Past Participle

Word: slowed /sloʊd/

Examples:

1. The project was slowed by unforeseen difficulties.
2. The traffic has been slowed due to the heavy snowfall.
3. The growth of the economy was significantly slowed by the global pandemic.

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Bare infinitive

When discussing habitual or constant actions.
Example. She always slows down at the yellow light.
Example. This species of turtle slows down considerably in cold weather.
Example. To mix the ingredients properly, first slow the mixer to its lowest setting.
When stating universal truths or facts.
Example. She always slows down at the yellow light.
Example. This species of turtle slows down considerably in cold weather.
Example. To mix the ingredients properly, first slow the mixer to its lowest setting.
For giving instructions or directions.
Example. She always slows down at the yellow light.
Example. This species of turtle slows down considerably in cold weather.
Example. To mix the ingredients properly, first slow the mixer to its lowest setting.

Past Simple

When talking about a specific action that started and finished at a definite time in the past.
Example. He slowed down when he saw the pedestrian crossing.
Example. The car slowed, stopped, and then the driver stepped out.
Example. When I was younger, I never slowed for anything, but now I take my time.
For narrating a sequence of events in the past.
Example. He slowed down when he saw the pedestrian crossing.
Example. The car slowed, stopped, and then the driver stepped out.
Example. When I was younger, I never slowed for anything, but now I take my time.
Indicating a past habit which is no longer practiced.
Example. He slowed down when he saw the pedestrian crossing.
Example. The car slowed, stopped, and then the driver stepped out.
Example. When I was younger, I never slowed for anything, but now I take my time.

Past Participle

Used in the perfect tenses to show actions that are complete, but when the time is not specified or relevant.
Example. They have slowed down the production to ensure quality.
Example. Traffic was slowed by the accident on the highway.
Example. Frustrated by the slowed progress, the team decided to meet more frequently.
To form the passive voice indicating an action done to the subject.
Example. They have slowed down the production to ensure quality.
Example. Traffic was slowed by the accident on the highway.
Example. Frustrated by the slowed progress, the team decided to meet more frequently.
To act as an adjective describing the result of an action.
Example. They have slowed down the production to ensure quality.
Example. Traffic was slowed by the accident on the highway.
Example. Frustrated by the slowed progress, the team decided to meet more frequently.

Common mistakes

— 01

Incorrectly Doubling

Some learners might mistakenly double the final consonant before adding '-ed' to the verb 'slow,' resulting in 'slowwed' instead of 'slowed.' This error stems from a misapplication of the rule that typically applies to verbs ending in a single vowel followed by a single consonant where the action is stressed on the final syllable, leading to the doubling of the consonant. 'Slow,' however, does not fit this criterion and therefore does not require the consonant to be doubled.

— 02

Using the Base Form

Another frequent mistake involves using the base form 'slow' instead of the past simple or past participle form 'slowed' when the context clearly indicates a past action. For example, saying 'The car slow down as it approached the light' instead of 'The car slowed down as it approached the light.' This mistake indicates a confusion over tense usage and the need to modify the verb to accurately reflect past actions.

— 03

Omitting the Past Participle

In perfect tense constructions, the past participle 'slowed' should be used with an auxiliary verb to indicate actions that have been completed at a specific time in the past. A common mistake is omitting the past participle or using the incorrect form, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences. For instance, saying 'I have slow down because of the weather' instead of the correct 'I have slowed down because of the weather.'

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Frequently asked questions

What is the past simple form of 'slow'?

The past simple form of 'slow' is 'slowed.' It is used to describe an action that happened at a specific time in the past. For instance, 'Yesterday, I slowed down when I saw the stop sign.'

What is the past participle form of 'slow'?

The past participle form of 'slow' is also 'slowed.' This form is used in perfect tenses and passive voice. For example, in the sentence 'The traffic has slowed considerably since the morning,' 'slowed' is used as a past participle in the present perfect tense.

Can you provide an example of 'slow' in a sentence using the past simple tense?

Certainly! Here's an example. 'The driver slowed the car as he approached the crowded intersection.' In this sentence, 'slowed' is used in the past simple tense to indicate that the action of slowing down happened at a specific moment in the past.

How would you use 'slow' in a sentence employing the past participle form?

An example of using 'slow' in the past participle form would be. 'The project was slowed by unexpected challenges.' In this sentence, 'slowed' is used in the passive voice to indicate that the project's progress was affected by challenges.