a little windy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little windy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe weather conditions, indicating that there is a slight breeze or wind present. Example: "I decided to go for a walk in the park, but it was a little windy, so I grabbed a light jacket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

His guests were a little windy from their meal.

The New Yorker

As a result, even as the play feels a little windy, it doesn't tell you enough.

The New York Times

And with it being a little windy, the fairways are fast and you can get the ball way down there.

The New York Times - Sports

"The baskets could be a factor if it gets a little windy," said Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a little windy, a little snowy, but I have plays that are supposed to be made.

The New York Times - Sports

"The conditions were a little windy today so I wasn't as perfect as what I wanted.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The cold is a little colder up here, the wind a little windier.

The New York Times

"Only when it is a little bit windy and it sort of blows up," Moeen answered with a grin.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a little bit windy, so that was my first thought," Edwards said about hearing Hooker's time before she ran her heat.

The New York Times - Sports

But it might be that Mayweather is getting a little bit windy as the fight approaches.

BBC

Yet the 2014 Brookings briefing book for Mr Obama stands out for how little windy rhetoric it contains, and how geekily practical it often is.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little windy" to describe weather conditions in a casual or descriptive manner. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "slightly breezy" or "moderately windy".

Common error

Avoid using "a little windy" in highly formal or scientific writing. It's better suited for informal descriptions or conversational tones. Consider using more precise meteorological terms instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little windy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often 'day', 'weather', or implied). It describes the degree of wind present. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little windy" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to describe mildly windy weather conditions. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business documents. While appropriate for general descriptive purposes, it may be too informal for highly formal or technical writing, where alternatives like "slightly breezy" or "moderately windy" might be more suitable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, offering a casual and descriptive way to convey the presence of a gentle breeze.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly breezy

Replaces "windy" with a synonym, maintaining the mildness.

Somewhat windy

Uses a different adverb to describe the intensity of the wind.

A bit breezy

Replaces "little" with "bit", a similar quantifier.

Moderately windy

Uses an adverb to describe the intensity of windiness, offering a slightly stronger feel.

Fairly windy

Substitutes "little" with "fairly", implying a noticeable wind presence.

Lightly windy

Emphasizes the gentleness of the wind.

A touch of wind

Changes the structure to focus on the presence of wind as a sensation.

Slightly gusty

Focuses on the intermittent nature of the wind.

Mildly windy

Highlights the lack of severity in the wind conditions.

A gentle breeze

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive term for a light wind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little windy" to describe weather conditions, such as, "I decided to go for a walk, but it was "a little windy", so I wore a jacket".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slightly breezy", "somewhat windy", or "a gentle breeze".

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

While grammatically correct, "a little windy" is better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives.

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

"A little windy" describes a light breeze, while "very windy" indicates a strong wind. The choice depends on the intensity of the wind you want to convey.