a little intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little intimidating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes slight fear or apprehension, often in a context where the intimidation is not overwhelming. Example: "The thought of speaking in front of a large audience can be a little intimidating for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And that's a little intimidating".

The New York Times

They were a little intimidating.

The New York Times

"It's a little intimidating sometimes".

The New York Times - Arts

It's a little intimidating – like, nature wins.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was a little intimidating," she said.

The New York Times

"Naqoyqatsi" is, finally, a little intimidating.

The New York Times

Winterreise can seem a little intimidating.

The Guardian - Books

She also found him a little intimidating.

The New York Times - Style

"It was a little intimidating," he admitted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was just a little intimidating to cross the room".

The New York Times

"I guess it can look a little intimidating," Hunter said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little intimidating" to describe situations or people that cause a mild sense of apprehension, but not outright fear. It's suitable for expressing a nuanced feeling of unease or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "a little intimidating" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "somewhat daunting" or "slightly unnerving" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little intimidating" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the degree to which something causes fear or apprehension. Ludwig shows its versatility in describing situations, people, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little intimidating" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that causes a slight sense of fear or unease. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news articles and is used to express a nuanced feeling of apprehension without being overwhelming. While there are many suitable alternatives like "somewhat daunting" or "slightly unnerving", it is important to be aware of the different connotations and nuances. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a useful and versatile part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat daunting

This alternative emphasizes the challenging aspect, suggesting something that requires effort to overcome.

slightly unnerving

This alternative focuses on the feeling of unease or anxiety that the situation evokes.

a little unnerving

Similar to "slightly unnerving", but with a slightly more casual tone.

somewhat unsettling

Focuses on the feeling of being disturbed or lacking peace.

a bit scary

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the element of fear.

mildly frightening

Similar to "a bit scary", but slightly more formal in tone.

rather alarming

This alternative suggests a sudden awareness of potential danger or concern.

slightly alarming

Implies a milder form of causing sudden concern.

a touch overwhelming

This suggests that the situation is difficult to handle due to its complexity or scale, rather than being scary.

kind of disquieting

This alternative emphasizes the unsettling or disturbing nature of the experience.

FAQs

What does "a little intimidating" mean?

The phrase "a little intimidating" describes something that causes a mild sense of fear, unease, or apprehension. It suggests a situation or person isn't terrifying, but still makes you slightly nervous or uncomfortable.

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

You might say, "The large crowd at the conference was "a little intimidating" at first." Or, "Public speaking can be "a little intimidating" for some people."

What are some alternatives to "a little intimidating"?

Alternatives include "somewhat daunting", "slightly unnerving", or "a bit scary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "intimidating" on its own, without "a little"?

Yes, "intimidating" can be used on its own to describe something that causes a stronger feeling of fear or apprehension. "The boss's direct questions were intimidating" implies a more forceful feeling than "The boss's direct questions were "a little intimidating"."