slow eater

Meaning

This expression describes someone who takes a long time to finish their food. It is a neutral, common way to talk about eating habits without being rude. You can use it to explain why you are still eating when others have finished.

Examples

• I’ve always been a slow eater, so please don't wait for me to finish.

  I’ve always been a slow eater, so please don't wait for me to finish.

• My brother is such a slow eater that his food always gets cold.

  My brother is such a slow eater that his food always gets cold.

• Being a slow eater is actually healthier because it helps with digestion.

  Being a slow eater is actually healthier because it helps with digestion.

• Are you a slow eater, or is that portion just really big?

  Are you a slow eater, or is that portion just really big?

• We were late for the movie because Sarah is a notoriously slow eater.

  We were late for the movie because Sarah is a notoriously slow eater.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am an eating slow person.

  ✓ I am a slow eater.

  In English, we use the compound noun 'slow eater' rather than describing the person as 'eating slow' in this structure.

• ✗ He eats very slow.

  ✓ He is a slow eater. / He eats very slowly.

  'Slow' is an adjective. To describe the action, use the adverb 'slowly', or use the noun phrase 'slow eater'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't rush me, I've always been a ___.

  💡 Someone who takes their time during meals.

  Show answer

  slow eater

• If you are a ___, you might find that your food gets cold before you finish.

  💡 A person who eats slowly.

  Show answer

  slow eater