Meaning trap

slow down

reduce speed

To move or do something more slowly, especially to avoid danger or because you are told to.

phrasal verbB1core

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

reduce speed

To move or do something more slowly, especially to avoid danger or because you are told to.

slow down (become less active)

Another meaning of 'slow down' is 'become less active'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

You should slow down when driving through a school zone.

If I notice someone tailgating me on the highway, I usually slow down to let them pass safely.

One small grammar move makes it sound right.

Not: You should slow ~~down your speed.~~

Say: You should slow down.

'Slow down' already means reduce speed — 'slow down your speed' is redundant.

Tap the one a native speaker would say.

Words that usually travel with it.

slow down + context

Other meanings and phrases to compare.

slow down (become less active) — Another meaning of 'slow down' is 'become less active'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.