a slight draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of air movement, often in the context of a room or building where there is a minor breeze. Example: "I noticed a slight draft coming from the window, so I decided to close it to keep the warmth inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flanagan said recently in an interview that "love is the scent of a sleeping back, death a slight draft of bad breath," and, on finishing "Narrow Road," that seems about right.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The slight draft of pathos and regret that chill these retrospective musings came through all the more strongly in his recent interview in Die Zeit, in the course of Spielberg's discussion of the new film: Without any special effects or super-powers, Tintin's strength lies in his personality, or, rather, you could say, in the lack of his own personality.

The New Yorker

Morgan's subordinate, Col. Basil Duke, had informed him that the river was too shallow there for the Union gunboats, unaware not only of the slight draft of these boats but also of the heavy rains in West Virginia that had raised water levels.

The New York Times

The slight draft wafting its way in from the day-old snow on the ground that makes you pull your coat a little more snugly around you.

Huffington Post

The coal fires are similar to those that smoldered for months beneath the wreckage of the World Trade Center, in that they involve buried fuels and are sustained and intensified by slight drafts of air and heat locked into surrounding rubble or rock.

The New York Times - Science

The process of adjusting, however, required the utmost attention to the scales' balance, and the slightest draft could upset it.

Wikipedia

Its nano-sized particles become airborne from the slightest draft.

WikiHow

Next, I had a Passion Fruit Witbier draft, a slight twist on a Belgian classic.

The New York Times - Travel

A3 Iraq Set to Draft Constitution Members of Iraq's National Assembly named a 55-member committee with a slight Shiite majority to draft the country's constitution.

The New York Times

But in this provincial seaside spot where immigration is still not commonplace, what may come as a surprise is that the bartender behind the counter is a slight Chinese woman, quietly pouring draft wine (and harder stuff) for her wizened clients.

The New York Times - Arts

"I want them to think, 'Gosh, we passed that guy over in the draft.' " Coles, drafted in the third round of the 2000 draft, cannot get over what he perceives as a slight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a feeling of coldness, use "a slight draft" to indicate a minor and often unnoticed source of chill, such as near a window or door.

Common error

Be mindful not to confuse "draft", referring to air currents, with "draught", which primarily denotes a serving of drink or the act of pulling something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight draft" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it describing a minimal air current.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight draft" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a gentle air current. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, and while its register is neutral, it effectively communicates the presence of a minimal airflow. Considering alternatives like "a gentle breeze" or "a faint breeze" can add nuance to your writing, but "a slight draft" remains a widely understood and appropriate choice in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle breeze

Emphasizes the pleasant and mild nature of the air movement.

a faint breeze

Highlights the barely perceptible quality of the air movement.

a minimal airflow

Focuses on the technical aspect of air movement being very small.

a minor current of air

Uses more formal language to describe a small air movement.

a breath of air

Suggests a very light and fleeting movement of air.

a trace of wind

Indicates a barely detectable presence of wind.

a small gust

Implies a sudden, short burst of air, though still weak.

a hint of a breeze

Emphasizes the subtle and indirect nature of the air movement.

a touch of air movement

Highlights the minimal and almost imperceptible quality of the air movement.

a delicate flow of air

Focuses on the refined and gentle nature of the air's movement.

FAQs

How to use "a slight draft" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight draft" to describe a gentle air current, as in, "I felt a slight draft coming from under the door."

What can I say instead of "a slight draft"?

You can use alternatives like "a gentle breeze", "a faint breeze", or "a minimal airflow" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a slight draft" or "a slightly draft"?

"A slight draft" is correct. "Slight" is an adjective modifying the noun "draft". Using "slightly" (an adverb) would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

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

"A slight draft" refers to a gentle and barely noticeable current of air, while "a strong draft" indicates a more forceful and easily felt air current.