a little thick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little thick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not very quick to understand something or to refer to a texture that is somewhat dense or heavy. Example: "I thought the explanation was clear, but he seemed a little thick on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

If it's the lower short strap, let it be a little thick as opposed to thin, this enhances the thickness of your lower legs as well.

WikiHow

Serve alongside a little thick and creamy Greek-style yoghurt.

Independent

Elliot thought he sounded a little thick in the tongue.

The New Yorker

She occasionally lays it on a little thick.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's O.K. if it's ragged around the edges or even a little thick in places.

The New York Times - Magazine

She lays it on a little thick: "He was, astoundingly, never an old man.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Possibly due to surface chemical adsorption of oleate and toluene molecules, the unilamellar nanosheets are a little thicker than the crystallographic thickness of 0.93 nm [24].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Fast-talking, awkward, bright, single-minded and a little thick-skinned.

The Guardian - Film

It's a little thicker than water.

The New Yorker

The greens were smaller, the rough a little thicker.

The New York Times - Travel

Just a little older, a little thicker and a little weepier.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little thick" to describe someone's intelligence, consider your audience. In some contexts, it may be perceived as insensitive; opt for more neutral phrasing such as "somewhat slow" or "a bit dense".

Common error

Avoid using "a little thick" when describing emotional sensitivity. The phrase is better suited for describing physical density or intellectual slowness. Using it in an emotional context can be misconstrued as insensitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little thick" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, adding descriptive detail to a noun. Ludwig AI examples show its application in diverse scenarios, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little thick" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to describe a slight degree of density, slowness, or exaggeration. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media sources. While generally neutral to informal, it's crucial to consider context and audience to avoid potential misunderstandings or offense. In formal writing, opting for more precise language might be preferable. Remember to use it judiciously, considering its connotations and potential impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly dense

Emphasizes the physical property of being somewhat compact or heavy.

somewhat slow

Highlights a mild lack of understanding or quickness.

a bit dense

Indicates a mild difficulty in comprehension.

slightly exaggerated

Focuses on the characteristic of being somewhat over the top.

somewhat hefty

Implies a moderate amount of weight or bulk.

a touch heavy

Indicates a slight excess in weight or richness.

a shade overweight

Suggests a minor degree of excess weight.

marginally obtuse

Highlights a small degree of slowness in understanding.

mildly insensitive

Suggests a slight lack of tact or awareness.

somewhat dull

Focuses on a moderate lack of sharpness or intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little thick" to describe something that is somewhat dense or heavy, as in, "The sauce was "a little thick", so I added some water". You can also use it to describe someone who is not very quick to understand something.

What's a less offensive way to say someone is "a little thick"?

Instead of saying someone is "a little thick", which can be considered rude, you can use alternatives such as "somewhat slow", "a bit dense", or "not the sharpest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a little thick"?

The phrase "a little thick" is appropriate when describing the consistency of a substance or, with caution, to imply someone is slow to understand something. Be mindful of the context to avoid causing offense.

Is it okay to use "a little thick" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a little thick" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to opt for more precise and professional language, such as "slightly viscous" or "somewhat obtuse", depending on the intended meaning.