Meaning trap
slow down
become less active
To do things at a more relaxed pace, or to become less busy or energetic.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To do things at a more relaxed pace, or to become less busy or energetic.
Another meaning of 'slow down' is 'reduce speed'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- After working so much, I realized I needed to slow down and take care of myself.work
- Many people believe that it's important to slow down and enjoy life rather than always rushing from one thing to another.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: slow down (no object)
WrongI need to slow down my life.
RightI need to slow down a bit.
In this sense 'slow down' stands alone — no object like 'my life'.
Patternslow down (no object)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Slow down' captures easing off the pace of life in two words; the formal version reads like a mission statement.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
slow down + lifea bitas you get olderafter retirementand relax
Don't confuse it
Different from 'take a break', which means to stop for a while. 'Slow down' means to keep going, but more gently.
Related
- slow down (reduce speed) — Another meaning of 'slow down' is 'reduce speed'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.