a slight case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or not serious instance of something, often in a medical or behavioral context. Example: "After examining the patient, the doctor concluded that it was just a slight case of the flu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In Dec. 1932, he entertained 4,000 at "A Slight Case Of Murder".

The New Yorker

But the pressure was on, and he had a slight case of butterflies.

The New York Times

Last August her cold developed into a slight case of bronchitis.

The New York Times

And O-Daddy-O, with a slight case of St. Vitus Dance, compliments of the house if it's still standing.

The New York Times

Piazza had a slight case of whiplash but said he would probably be able to play on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

A slight case of hat head told me she'd lost her chapeau on the way over, but with the way everything below that cowlick looked, who could complain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The samples used by Prabakaran et al. [ 9] had a slight case-control difference in pH, but many more controls than cases died of cardiac events [ 13].

BMC Genomics

Nevertheless, such an effect would be evident if the rupture velocity were slower, and in fact, we observed a slight difference between case 1 of Figure 5 and case (a) of Figure 9.

Earth, Planets and Space

In fact, prednisolone induced only a slight improvement in Case 1.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

But in Massachusetts, at least, it does bring one medical corollary: a slight rise in cases of low birth weight.

The New York Times

Throughout Mesoamerica generally, newly married couples tend to locate near the groom's family in a slight majority of cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions or emotional states, use "a slight case" to downplay the severity and reassure the audience. This softens the impact and avoids unnecessary alarm.

Common error

While "a slight case" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your tone seem dismissive. Opt for more precise language when detailing specific conditions or results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight case" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "slight" modifies the noun "case". It is typically used to describe a minor or not serious instance of something, often in medical or behavioral contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight case" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a minor instance of something, often a medical or emotional condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to downplay the severity of a situation. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "a slight case", ensure it aligns with your desired tone, avoiding overuse in formal writing to maintain precision and avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives include "a mild instance" and "a touch of". The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild instance

Replaces "case" with "instance" emphasizing the occurrence of something.

a minor situation

Substitutes "case" with "situation", focusing on the circumstances.

a touch of

Uses "a touch of" to indicate a small amount or degree of something.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", suggesting a subtle presence or indication.

a trace of

Implies an even smaller amount or sign of something.

a mild form of

Emphasizes the reduced severity of a condition or problem.

a touch of

Emphasizes a minor or subtle instance.

a minor bout of

Uses "bout" to describe a short period of experiencing something, typically negative.

a small degree of

Highlights the limited extent or intensity.

a touch of something

A more generic version of 'a touch of', useful if you don't want to specify the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight case" to describe a minor instance of something, like "He had "a slight case of the flu"" or "She experienced "a slight case of nerves" before the presentation".

What's a good alternative to "a slight case"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a mild instance", "a minor situation", or "a touch of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight case" in formal writing?

While not strictly inappropriate, "a slight case" may sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

What does "a slight case of" typically describe?

"A slight case of" is commonly used to describe minor illnesses (like "a slight cold"), emotional states (like "a slight case of anxiety"), or other non-severe conditions or problems.