a slight digression

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight digression" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate a brief departure from the main topic. For example: "Before we return to the main argument, let me make a slight digression about the historical context." Alternative expressions include "a brief aside" and "a minor deviation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Here he offered a slight digression.

The New Yorker

Allow me to set the scene via a slight digression, in the shape of the latest XF V8 with its also-new 5.0-litre, 510bhp engine.

Independent

A slight digression: The music business and the airline business is a phenomenal combination to deal with the Formula One business.

The New York Times - Sports

Before we get back to the catwalk, a slight digression, because I think it's interesting to note what McCartney, Philo and MacGibbon themselves wore to take their catwalk bows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please permit me a slight digression.

TechCrunch

Let me take a slight digression with another superhero team, the X-Men, to explain my broader concern here.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Excuse me, slight digression..."....

Independent

Allow me a little digression.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think I went off on a little digression there for a second.

Vice

He speaks English with a slight German accent, using phrases like "which means" or "which is to say" as bridges to enlightening digressions.

The New York Times - Sports

A slight?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight digression" to signal a brief and intentional departure from the main topic, helping your audience follow your thought process without getting lost.

Common error

Avoid making too many digressions, even if they're "slight". Too many can disrupt the flow of your writing and confuse your reader, obscuring your primary point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight digression" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a temporary shift away from the main subject. It's used to indicate that the speaker or writer is about to deviate briefly before returning to the primary topic. As seen from Ludwig's examples, it sets expectations for a brief and relevant departure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight digression" is a grammatically correct phrase used to signal a brief and intentional departure from the main topic. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a discourse marker, providing context or clarification without losing sight of the central theme. While generally neutral to professional in register, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to use it sparingly to avoid disrupting the flow of your writing and confusing your reader. Alternatives include "a brief detour" or "a short aside".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief detour

Replaces "digression" with "detour", implying a temporary deviation from a route or topic.

a small tangent

Substitutes "digression" with "tangent", suggesting a shift in focus that still relates to the main subject.

a short aside

Replaces "digression" with "aside", indicating a brief comment or remark that's not part of the main conversation.

a momentary detour

Combines "momentary" with "detour" to emphasize the brief nature of the departure.

a quick tangent

Uses "quick" to highlight the brevity of the shift in topic.

a brief parenthesis

Compares the digression to a parenthesis, a segment that interrupts the main structure.

a minor deviation

Emphasizes the insignificance of the departure from the primary subject.

a passing remark

Indicates a brief and casual statement that diverges from the central topic.

a tangential comment

Similar to "a small tangent", focusing on the comment aspect of the digression.

a small interlude

Suggests a brief pause or break from the main discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight digression" to introduce a brief departure from your main point. For example: "Before we discuss the budget, allow me a slight digression about last year's performance".

What's a good substitute for "a slight digression"?

Alternatives include "a brief detour", "a short aside", or "a small tangent". Choose the one that best fits the context of your writing.

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

Yes, "a slight digression" is appropriate in formal writing as long as the digression is relevant and brief. It can help provide context or additional information without derailing the main topic.

How does "a slight digression" differ from a major deviation?

"A slight digression" indicates a small and intentional departure, while a major deviation suggests a more significant shift that might lose sight of the original topic. If you are making a significant shift, use "a different topic" or "a new direction".