a slight breeze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight breeze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle wind or light air movement, often in the context of weather or nature. Example: "As we sat on the porch, we enjoyed the warm sun and a slight breeze that made the afternoon pleasant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A slight breeze of anxiety riffled Gore's features.

The New Yorker

Dickey prefers a slight breeze during his outings.

The New York Times

I could feel a slight breeze in my face.

The New York Times - Books

These mosquitoes don't like flying when there is even a slight breeze.

Independent

It was a pleasant, late-summer day with clear skies and a slight breeze.

The New Yorker

There was a slight breeze, and the flag fluttered a bit.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a beautiful day, with clear blue skies and a slight breeze.

The New York Times

"That was hard," Orton gasped afterwards, as applause rippled like the surface of a small pond in a slight breeze.

Independent

The scent falls short of store-bought products, but the price is right, and a slight breeze eliminates the smell.

The New York Times

It felt good to stand out there, a slight breeze in his hair, only the sound of the crickets.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's gorgeous here in south Florida – a few scattered clouds, slight breeze – although we'll get the "atmospheric conditions" (this is the only stadium in baseball where the press box announcer uses that term. Love it).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight breeze" to create a sense of tranquility or mildness in descriptions of weather or environments. It adds a gentle touch to your writing, evoking a pleasant sensation.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight breeze" when describing strong winds or turbulent weather conditions. This phrase is best suited for calm, gentle environments; otherwise, it can create a jarring disconnect for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight breeze" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a gentle or mild air movement, adding detail to descriptions of weather or atmosphere. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight breeze" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a gentle air movement, often used to create a sense of calm and pleasantness in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and accurately reflects the described weather conditions. Alternatives like "a gentle wind" or "a light air" can offer subtle variations in meaning, but "a slight breeze" remains a reliable and evocative choice. Keep in mind not to use it to describe strong weather conditions because it would create a contradiction in terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle wind

Focuses on the wind aspect, emphasizing its mildness rather than just a breeze.

a light air

Highlights the lightness and subtlety of the air movement.

a soft gust

Implies a brief, gentle burst of air, adding a sense of transience.

a mild draft

Suggests a gentle current of air, often indoors or in an enclosed space.

a breath of fresh air

Figurative usage indicating something new and refreshing; less literal.

a zephyr

A more poetic term for a gentle, mild breeze.

a gentle waft

Emphasizes the way the air gently carries something, like a scent.

a faint current of air

Highlights the barely perceptible movement of the air.

a subtle air movement

Focuses on the minimal and delicate nature of the air's motion.

a whisper of wind

A metaphorical description emphasizing the quiet and delicate nature of the wind.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight breeze" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight breeze" to describe pleasant weather, such as, "The temperature was perfect, and "a slight breeze" kept us cool."

What are some synonyms for "a slight breeze"?

Alternatives include "a gentle wind", "a light air", or "a soft gust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a slight breeze" and "a strong wind"?

"A slight breeze" describes a gentle, almost imperceptible movement of air, while "a strong wind" indicates a powerful and noticeable force of air. They represent opposite ends of the wind intensity spectrum.

Is it correct to say "a slightly breeze" instead of "a slight breeze"?

No, "a slightly breeze" is grammatically incorrect. The adjective "slight" correctly modifies the noun "breeze". Using the adverb "slightly" would be incorrect in this context.