"slow down" VS "slow up" What is the difference between these phrasal verbs when we talk about moving or doing something more slowly? To be honest, I can't grasp the necessity of having two verbs wit

Ksenia

"slow down" VS "slow up" What is the difference between these phrasal verbs when we talk about moving or doing something more slowly? To be honest, I can't grasp the necessity of having two verbs with the OPPOSITE adverbial particles, which at the end form two synonymical phrasal verbs... How on Earth? Can they be used interchangeably? Or is there any slight difference? For example, may I use them interchangeably in the following sentences? 1a The car slowed up as it approached the gate. 1b The car slowed down as it approached the gate. 2a Computing problems slowed us up a bit. 2b Computing problems slowed us down a bit.

Jun 14, 2018 10:21 AM

Answers · 5

it's just a matter of dialect and preference, they both mean the same. In British English, we would say. "the car pulled up at the bridge" = stopped or maybe almost stopped at a/the bridge before moving forward again. we would say "the car slowed down =the car decreased its speed"

June 14, 2018

I've heard "slow up" in songs and poetry. I guess the suggestion of two opposite meanings is artistic. However, in you're day-to-day life "slow down" is the correct usage.

June 14, 2018

Still haven’t found your answers?

Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!