a little fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little fragile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is delicate or easily broken, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The vase is a little fragile, so please handle it with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Certainly the girl is a little fragile.

The New Yorker

Today, she still looks a little fragile.

The Guardian

We're a young team and a little fragile.

The New York Times - Sports

Aguero, 26 and a little fragile, is the youngest.

The Guardian - Sport

After puking, Shiffrin looked a little fragile in the start.

The New Yorker

The once solid consensus on Kashmir suddenly seems a little fragile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Today I was a little bit fragile".

Independent

She ends up being a little more fragile".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His writing makes me feel very human and a little bit fragile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were a little bit fragile in defence but during the 90 minutes we did everything to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Comedians appear to be a little too fragile for dog-eat-dog strategy, and the "Survivor" component of the show has not fared as well as the comedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little fragile" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context provides enough support to avoid sounding insensitive. Focus on empathy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a little fragile" for objects that are known to be inherently robust. This can create a confusing or humorous effect, rather than conveying the intended caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little fragile" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a mild degree of vulnerability or delicacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and correct in written English, indicating something is easily broken or susceptible to damage, either physically or emotionally.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little fragile" serves as a versatile adjectival phrase used to express a mild degree of vulnerability or delicacy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, but it can also be used in formal business settings or informal conversations. When using the phrase, exercise caution to avoid misinterpretations and to ensure empathy, particularly when describing a person's emotional state. Consider alternatives like "slightly vulnerable" or "somewhat delicate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat delicate

Highlights the fineness and susceptibility to damage, presenting a more refined sense of fragility.

a shade delicate

Conveys a subtle sense of fragility, emphasizing the need for careful handling or treatment.

slightly vulnerable

Focuses on the aspect of being susceptible to harm or influence, differing by emphasizing the potential for being affected negatively.

marginally brittle

Highlights the quality of being easily broken or shattered, differing by its emphasis on structural integrity.

a bit unstable

Indicates a lack of steadiness or reliability, shifting the focus to a condition of being prone to change or failure.

somewhat precarious

Emphasizes the uncertainty or risk involved, differing by highlighting potential danger or instability.

rather sensitive

Emphasizes a high degree of responsiveness to stimuli, whether emotional or physical, differing in that it may also imply emotional susceptibility.

a touch insecure

Focuses on a lack of confidence or certainty, diverging by emphasizing emotional or psychological instability.

kind of weak

Suggests a deficiency in strength or resilience, differing by directly addressing a lack of power or force.

slightly unsteady

Indicates a lack of physical or emotional balance, shifting the focus to a state of being prone to wavering or failing.

FAQs

How can I use "a little fragile" in a sentence?

You can use "a little fragile" to describe something easily broken, either physically (e.g., "This glass ornament is a little fragile") or emotionally (e.g., "After the breakup, she was feeling a little fragile").

What are some alternatives to "a little fragile"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slightly vulnerable", "somewhat delicate", or "a bit unstable".

Is it appropriate to use "a little fragile" to describe a person?

Yes, but with caution. It can be appropriate when discussing someone's emotional or mental state, implying they are sensitive or easily upset. However, it's crucial to be empathetic and aware of the potential implications.

What's the difference between "a little fragile" and "very fragile"?

"A little fragile" suggests a mild degree of delicacy or vulnerability, while "very fragile" indicates a high degree of susceptibility to damage or harm. The choice depends on the severity of the condition you're describing.