a slight impediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight impediment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor obstacle or hindrance that may affect progress or performance. Example: "Despite having a slight impediment in his speech, he delivered a powerful presentation that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kissin has a slight speech impediment, a lingering on explosive consonants that then burst forth like popping balloons; his speech is broken by long pauses.

The New Yorker

Lenny became an unlikely lion insofar as his stage persona was shy, gentle and lisping with a high-pitched voice and a slight speech impediment.

The Guardian

Catchings speaks with a slight speech impediment, as if she hadn't quite come out from under a shot of Novocain.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has a slight speech impediment and an overemphatic manner of inflection that are rendered all the more conspicuous by the dentist's-drill whine of his voice.

The New Yorker

Catchings, who was born with severe hearing loss in both ears and has a slight speech impediment, runs basketball camps and fitness clinics for disadvantaged youths who are hearing impaired.

The New York Times - Sports

I have a slight vision impediment in my right eye now, and for that reason they won't let me drive on the road anymore, which is very awkward because I live six miles from anywhere.

The Guardian - Money

When these were removed she blossomed overnight into the flame-haired beauty with an hour-glass figure we see today – but their removal left her with a slight speech impediment and she was unable to say the word 'solicitor' until she was 21".

The Guardian - Books

To enable continuity the character was scripted a slight speech impediment, behind the scenes Quinlan had a special palette fitted, it was a real one fitted by real life dentists and paid for by the show, it would black the character's front teeth and leave a chipped one at the side.

Wikipedia

He told the BBC's Today programme: "We will be able to cope with people who have got colds or slight impediments.

The Guardian - Business

Look for a riotous (and uncredited) Robin Williams as a foul-mouthed ex-shrink- turned-grocery-clerk. Derek Jacobi is also fine as an antiques dealer with a slight stutter, an impediment that recalls his bravura performance as the Emperor in I, Claudius.

Forbes

Recorded music was so faint it set a placid, relaxed mood but was not the slightest impediment to conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight impediment" when you want to downplay the severity of an obstacle or difficulty. It suggests something that can be easily managed or overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight impediment" when the obstacle is actually significant or causes substantial delays. Choose a stronger term like "major obstacle" or "significant challenge" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight impediment" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests it describes a minor obstacle or hindrance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight impediment" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor obstacle or difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and serves to downplay the severity of a problem. While suitable for formal and professional contexts, its frequency is currently low due to the absence of definitive example sentences. When using this phrase, ensure that the impediment is indeed minor to avoid misrepresenting the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor hindrance

Replaces 'impediment' with 'hindrance', emphasizing the obstacle is not significant.

a small obstacle

Substitutes 'impediment' with 'obstacle', focusing on the challenge aspect.

a mild difficulty

Replaces 'impediment' with 'difficulty', softening the tone and highlighting the ease of overcoming it.

a minor setback

Focuses on the delaying aspect of the impediment, suggesting a temporary pause.

a trivial obstruction

Emphasizes the insignificance of the impediment, suggesting it's easily bypassed.

a negligible issue

Highlights that the impediment is so small it can be considered insignificant.

a fleeting challenge

Implies the impediment is temporary and quickly overcome.

a minimal complication

Suggests the impediment adds a small amount of complexity but is not a major concern.

a superficial barrier

Indicates the impediment is only on the surface and doesn't go deep.

a featherweight problem

Uses a metaphor to express that the impediment is very light and easy to manage.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight impediment" to describe a minor difficulty or obstacle. For example: "Despite a slight impediment, the project was completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "a slight impediment"?

Alternatives include "a minor hindrance", "a small obstacle", or "a mild difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a slight impediment" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey that an obstacle is not severe. However, ensure that the term accurately reflects the situation and is not an understatement.

What's the difference between "a slight impediment" and "a major impediment"?

"A slight impediment" indicates a minor obstacle, while "a major impediment" signifies a significant obstacle that could seriously hinder progress. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difficulty.