speak slowly
/spiːk ˈsloʊli/
Meaning
This phrase means to talk at a lower speed so that others can understand you better. It is a polite and common request used by language learners or in noisy environments.
Examples
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Could you please speak slowly? I am still learning English.
Could you please speak slowly? I am still learning English.
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The teacher had to speak slowly so the children could follow the lesson.
The teacher had to speak slowly so the children could follow the lesson.
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When you give your presentation, try to speak slowly and clearly.
When you give your presentation, try to speak slowly and clearly.
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I asked him to speak slowly because his accent was very strong.
I asked him to speak slowly because his accent was very strong.
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If you speak slowly, it is much easier for everyone to understand.
If you speak slowly, it is much easier for everyone to understand.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Please speak slow.
✓ Please speak slowly.
'Slowly' is the adverb needed to modify the verb 'speak', though 'speak slow' is sometimes heard in very informal speech.
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✗ Speak low, please.
✓ Speak slowly, please.
'Speak low' means to speak quietly (low volume), whereas 'speak slowly' refers to the speed of speech.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I didn't catch that. Could you ___?
💡 Talk at a lower speed.
Show answer
speak slowly
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It helps to ___ when talking to non-native speakers.
💡 Reduce your talking speed.
Show answer
speak slowly