a little deaf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little deaf" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a slight hearing impairment or difficulty in hearing. Example: "My grandfather is a little deaf, so we have to speak up when we talk to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I'm a little deaf," he said.

The New York Times - Books

The movie was captioned, perhaps because he was going a little deaf.

The New Yorker

"In every good marriage, it pays sometimes to be a little deaf".

The New Yorker

And "every now and then it helps to be a little deaf".

The Guardian

The offscreen Allen exudes single-mindedness of purpose; he's guardedly friendly, and these days a little deaf.

The Guardian - Film

"I was playing to bigger audiences than I had ever fathomed, and I had gone a little deaf, I mean emotionally deaf," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As time passed, Grandpa got older and a little deafer.

The New Yorker

Lauren I'm afraid the wedding bells have made you a little tone deaf, Lauren.

The New York Times

Earlier this year, Mr. LaHood sharply criticized Toyota as acting "a little safety deaf" in its slowness to address problems with sticking accelerator pedals on cars sold in the United States.

The New York Times

He began his career as a club DJ and I suspect that all those hours spent hunched over the turntables have left him a little bit deaf.

The Guardian

"They should have taken it seriously from the very beginning when we first started discussing it with them," Mr. LaHood told The A.P. "Maybe they were a little safety deaf".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's hearing, consider using "slightly hard of hearing" for a more formal and respectful tone, especially in professional or medical contexts. This avoids potential offense that might arise from using the word "deaf" even with the modifier "a little".

Common error

Avoid using "a little deaf" when you mean someone is insensitive or unaware of a situation. The phrase primarily refers to a hearing impairment. For figurative use, consider alternatives like "a little insensitive" or "a little oblivious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little deaf" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, typically describing someone's hearing ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it is used to describe a mild hearing impairment. The phrase indicates that the person is not completely deaf, but has some difficulty hearing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little deaf" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a mild hearing impairment. Ludwig AI identifies it as a standard adjective phrase used in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While acceptable, it's crucial to be mindful of potential sensitivities when discussing someone's hearing. In professional or formal settings, alternative phrases like "slightly hard of hearing" might be more appropriate. When the intention is to communicate a figurative lack of understanding or sensitivity, consider using alternatives such as "a little insensitive" or "a little oblivious" for greater clarity. As examples show, the phrase can be used to describe literal hearing issues or as a figure of speech. Ludwig provides examples and related terms to help writers choose the most appropriate phrasing for their specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat deaf

A more direct synonym, replacing "a little" with "somewhat".

slightly hard of hearing

Replaces "a little deaf" with a more clinical and precise description of hearing impairment.

a bit hard of hearing

Similar to "slightly hard of hearing", but uses "a bit" for a more casual tone.

partially deaf

Offers a more direct and concise way of saying someone has some degree of deafness.

hearing-impaired to some extent

A more formal and descriptive way to express the same meaning.

not hearing well

A simple and straightforward way to describe difficulty hearing.

a little tone deaf

Figuratively means insensitive or unaware, instead of a literal hearing problem.

slow to catch on

Figuratively means slow to understand or realize something, instead of hearing impairment.

a little insensitive

Uses "deaf" figuratively, implying a lack of awareness or understanding of others' feelings.

unresponsive to

Indicates a lack of reaction or acknowledgment, rather than a physical inability to hear.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "a little deaf"?

Being "a little deaf" means having a mild hearing impairment or difficulty hearing. It suggests a lesser degree of deafness, where the person can still hear but may struggle in certain situations or with certain sounds.

What can I say instead of "a little deaf"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly hard of hearing", "partially deaf", or "a bit hard of hearing" depending on the context.

Is it offensive to say someone is "a little deaf"?

While not inherently offensive, "a little deaf" can be perceived as insensitive. Using more formal and respectful terms such as "slightly hard of hearing" or "hearing impaired" is generally preferred, especially in professional or medical settings.

Can "a little deaf" be used figuratively?

Yes, "a little deaf" can be used figuratively to mean someone is unwilling to listen or understand, similar to being "tone deaf". However, this usage is less common and can be confusing, so it's best to use alternatives like "a little oblivious" or "a little insensitive" for clarity.