a little thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks substance, depth, or is insufficient in quantity or quality. Example: "The report was a little thin on details, making it hard to understand the full scope of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe a little thin.

The New York Times - Magazine

That explanation seemed a little thin.

The Economist

The filling, though, was a little thin.

The Guardian - Travel

The premise, too, is a little thin.

The New York Times

It just felt a little thin.

The New York Times

Spread a little thin, said our panel.

The Guardian

"It is a little thin, unfortunately," Sampras said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Your corpus callosum looks a little thin," he added.

The New Yorker

But, at least at first, they feel a little thin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Those credentials struck Judge Angel as a little thin.

The New York Times

Host bars, however, are a little thin on the ground.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical attributes, "a little thin" can be gentler than saying someone is "skinny" or "underweight". Consider the context and audience to ensure sensitivity.

Common error

While versatile, "a little thin" might sound too informal in highly academic or formal contexts. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "somewhat inadequate" or "slightly deficient" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little thin" functions primarily as a degree modifier followed by an adjective, serving to qualify or temper the adjective 'thin'. It's used to indicate that something is somewhat lacking or deficient, but not severely so. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little thin" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is somewhat lacking in substance, depth, or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it offers a gentle way to critique or observe, suitable for constructive feedback. When more formality is required, consider alternatives like "somewhat sparse" or "slightly inadequate". Be mindful of the audience and context to ensure the chosen expression aligns with the intended tone and formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat sparse

Emphasizes the lack of density or fullness, often referring to information or resources.

slightly inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency of something to meet a particular need or requirement.

a bit shallow

Highlights the lack of depth or complexity, particularly in discussions or analyses.

rather flimsy

Suggests a lack of robustness or strength, often used for physical objects or arguments.

marginally deficient

Indicates a small degree of lacking or incompleteness, often in formal contexts.

somewhat wanting

Implies a certain desire for more of something, suggesting a deficiency.

a tad insufficient

Emphasizes the slight inadequacy of something to fulfill a specific purpose.

a touch lacking

Highlights the absence of a small but noticeable element or quality.

just a shade meager

Indicates a small quantity or amount that is barely sufficient.

barely enough

Emphasizes the minimal sufficiency of something, suggesting it's close to being inadequate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little thin" to describe something lacking substance, depth, or quantity. For instance, "The plot of the movie was "a little thin", but the special effects were impressive."

What are some alternatives to saying "a little thin"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat sparse", "slightly inadequate", or "a bit shallow".

Is it appropriate to use "a little thin" in formal writing?

While "a little thin" is widely understood, it may come across as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "somewhat deficient" or "slightly lacking" for a more serious tone.

When is it best to use "a little thin" versus other similar phrases?

Use "a little thin" when you want to provide a gentle critique or suggest that something could be improved without being overly harsh. It's suitable for constructive feedback, while phrases like "inadequate" or "deficient" may sound more severe.