a slight effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minimal amount of exertion or work required to achieve something. Example: "With a slight effort, she was able to lift the box off the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In between, when it makes a slight effort to move your luggage in the direction you wish to go, albeit at a third the pace at which you could carry the donkey and the luggage yourself, you will fawn on it, pat the soft fringe coming down over its nose, and whisper sweet quadruped nothings in its ear.

The Guardian - Travel

At that point the car will not do any thing, except make a slight effort to start.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The same qualities apply in poetry--the standard workshop poem is a narrative or associative slight effort, taking off from the quotidian, to rest in an uneasy or understated epiphany.

Huffington Post

Compared with the author's Pulitzer Prize-winovel novel, "Martin Dressler" (1996) -- an ambitious parable about the American Dream and the entrepreneurial drive to create new worlds and new desires -- this collection of novellas is a slight, undernourished effort, a throwaway performance from a talented writer.

The New York Times - Books

He continued: "But if in the future some slight effort could be made to determine the actual events of the story, it would be greatly appreciated by my wife and me".

The New York Times

But if in the future some slight effort could be made to determine the actual events of the story, it would be greatly appreciated by my wife and me.

The New York Times - Style

It requires practice to find the position that allows you to relax your whole torso almost completely, only slight effort being used to maintain your balance.

WikiHow

PL-MSCs have been described more recently, and slight efforts have been focused on proving their abilities [ 13].

BMC Genomics

Money comes easily, and the young writer gets the idea that he can achieve fame and fortune with a slight expenditure of effort.

The New York Times - Books

White, slender, and shapely, they graced the machine as they had the piano, and, when lunch hour came, her face had flushed, and the little brown curls clung to her forehead with a slight moisture of effort.

The New Yorker

If "Glee" mines the same interplay of individualism and team spirit as "Friday Night Lights," it does so with none of the latter's subtlety and not even a smidgeon of its humility — not to mention even the slightest effort toward consistency or restraint or slow-burning story lines or understated dialogue.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight effort", consider the context to ensure the adjective 'slight' accurately reflects the degree of effort involved. In situations requiring substantial exertion, a different phrase may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight effort" when describing tasks known to require significant work. Overstating the easiness can undermine credibility or set unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the amount of exertion or energy applied to a task. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight effort" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote minimal exertion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is employed in various contexts, mainly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science domains. While its frequency is rare, the phrase effectively communicates that a task requires little energy or resources. When employing "a slight effort" in your writing, ensure it aligns with the context to accurately reflect the amount of work involved. Consider alternatives like "a minimal attempt" or "a small endeavor" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal attempt

Replaces 'effort' with 'attempt' and 'slight' with 'minimal', emphasizing the small scale of the action.

a small endeavor

Substitutes 'effort' with 'endeavor', suggesting a minor undertaking or project.

a modest undertaking

Replaces 'effort' with 'undertaking' and 'slight' with 'modest', portraying a humble or unassuming attempt.

a gentle push

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a small initial action or attempt.

a light touch

Emphasizes the delicacy and subtlety of the effort involved.

a casual attempt

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the effort.

a minor exertion

Focuses on the physical aspect of effort, indicating a small amount of energy expended.

a token gesture

Suggests that the effort is primarily symbolic or superficial.

a half-hearted try

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the attempt.

a perfunctory action

Implies that the effort is done routinely or without genuine interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight effort" to describe situations where minimal exertion is needed. For example, "With "a slight effort", she opened the jar."

What are some alternatives to "a slight effort"?

Alternatives include "a minimal attempt", "a small endeavor", or "a modest undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a slight effort" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure the context aligns with the understated tone. In some cases, a more direct synonym may be clearer.

What's the difference between "a slight effort" and "a great effort"?

"A slight effort" indicates minimal exertion, while "a great effort" signifies substantial work and dedication. They are antonyms and should be used accordingly.