Phrasal verb
slow up
Meanings
to become slower; to reduce speed or progress
to make someone or something slower; to delay or reduce the speed of progress
Definition
To slow up means to become slower or to make someone or something go more slowly.
Slow up is a phrasal verb used when speed or progress decreases. It can happen by itself (something slows up), or someone can cause it (someone slows something up). It is common in everyday speech about traffic, work, or plans.
Examples
- When the road got icy, I slowed up.
- Please slow up so your little sister can keep pace.
- He slowed up the project by changing the plan at the last minute.
- They slowed up near the crosswalk to let people pass.
Common mistake
Learners often say “slow down up,” but the correct form is either “slow down” or “slow up,” not both together.
More intransitive phrasal verbs
- wake up To stop sleeping and become awake.
- slow down To slow down means to reduce speed or activity and move or happen less quickly.
- blow up To blow up means to suddenly explode or to become suddenly very angry.
- calm down To calm down means to become less upset, angry, or excited.
- burn down To burn down means to be completely destroyed by fire.