a little shaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little shaky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unstable, uncertain, or not fully reliable, often in a figurative sense. Example: "Her confidence was a little shaky before the presentation, but she managed to pull it off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now, a month later, he is still a little shaky but back at work.

The New York Times - Health

My French is a little shaky since finishing my A-levels.

The Guardian

"Things look a little shaky".

The New York Times

A little shaky that.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm a little shaky".

The New York Times - Sports

"Just excited, still a little shaky.

The New York Times - Sports

The outfield looks a little shaky?

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a little shaky, too," Reyes said.

The New York Times - Sports

The staff was a little shaky but very friendly.

The New York Times

His political stock has been a little shaky".

The New York Times

In 2010, Orwell's argument looks a little shaky.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical instability, consider alternatives like "unsteady" or "wobbly" for clearer imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "a little shaky" in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise and professional language like "marginally unstable" or "somewhat uncertain" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little shaky" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of instability, uncertainty, or unreliability. Ludwig AI explains that it's used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little shaky" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something as somewhat unstable or uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's crucial to consider context. News and media frequently employ it, as do sports reports, but formal writing may demand more precise terms. Alternatives like "somewhat unstable" or "a bit wobbly" offer varied levels of formality and nuance depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch unsteady

Similar to "a little shaky" but emphasizes a lack of balance or firmness.

somewhat unstable

Implies a moderate degree of instability, potentially more than "a little shaky".

marginally unstable

Indicates a slight degree of instability, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

a bit wobbly

More informal, often used for physical instability rather than abstract concepts.

somewhat uncertain

Focuses on a lack of confidence or predictability, shifting the emphasis from stability.

slightly precarious

Suggests a risk of collapse or failure, adding a stronger element of danger.

somewhat fragile

Highlights the delicate nature and susceptibility to damage or failure.

slightly iffy

An informal phrase suggesting something is questionable or unreliable.

slightly vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or attack, rather than general instability.

a tad insecure

More focused on emotional or psychological instability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little shaky" to describe something that is unstable, uncertain, or not fully reliable. For example: "Her confidence was a little shaky before the presentation." or "The economy is still a little shaky after the recession."

What's a more formal way to say "a little shaky"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "somewhat unstable", "slightly uncertain", or "marginally precarious".

Is it appropriate to use "a little shaky" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "a little shaky" might be too informal for strict academic writing. Opt for more precise and technical language when possible, or rephrase to maintain a formal tone.

When is it better to use "a little unsteady" instead of "a little shaky"?

"A little unsteady" is often preferable when describing physical balance or stability, while "a little shaky" can apply more broadly to abstract concepts, emotions, or situations.