a slight indentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight indentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small depression or mark on a surface. Example: "The table had a slight indentation on the edge, likely from years of use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A slight indentation becomes moist, a river runs through it.

The New Yorker

The most prized are unblemished, with a slight indentation around the middle.

The New York Times

In a large serving bowl or plate, arrange noodle mixture, leaving a slight indentation in center.

The New York Times

This type of contraction produces a slight indentation of the stomach wall.

Britannica

Back in the 1950's, the cup holder was nothing more than a slight indentation, barely discernible to the naked eye.

The New York Times - Travel

If a slight indentation was found in a ballot's presidential column, and other holes were punched through, Palm Beach, unlike other counties, threw the ballot out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Dogs should have a slight middle indentation -- not quite a waist -- when they stand and are viewed from overhead.

The Washington Post

Taking aim at the slight indentation in the bull's chest, he plunged the knife in, and, when he pulled it out, blood spurted, and painted my father red.

The New Yorker

17 The 5-point photonumeric scale differentiates no visible folds (0), visible fold with slight indentation (1), moderately deep folds not visible when skin is stretched (2), very long and deep folds (3), and extremely long and deep folds (4).

Clinical interventions in aging

Punch two slight indentation at the left and right side of the fondant ball by using the ball tool.

WikiHow

"Double-Spouted Jar," a blue free-form shape speckled with pink, has a friendly, slightly erotic presence, while "Vessel," a sleek gray bulb shape with slight indentations, is a refined, elegant sister.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or surfaces, use "a slight indentation" to convey a subtle concavity or depression. This phrase is particularly effective when the indentation is barely noticeable or doesn't significantly alter the object's form.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight indentation" when describing significant damage or deformation. This phrase implies a small, almost imperceptible mark. For more pronounced damage, use terms like "dent", "gouge", or "deep scratch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight indentation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a physical characteristic. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the form or condition of objects, such as "a slight indentation in the flat lids shows that they have been properly sealed".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight indentation" is a common noun phrase used to describe a small, subtle depression on a surface. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the indentation is indeed minor; otherwise, consider more descriptive alternatives like "dent" or "recess". As a final point, examples from Ludwig highlight the versatility of "a slight indentation" across a range of topics, from cooking to anatomy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor depression

This alternative focuses on the concavity itself, replacing "indentation" with "depression" and "slight" with "minor".

a shallow recess

This alternative emphasizes the shallowness and set-back nature of the indentation.

a small dent

This alternative is more suitable when the indentation is caused by an impact or pressure.

a subtle hollow

This alternative highlights the delicate and barely noticeable nature of the indentation.

a gentle concavity

This alternative focuses on the curved-in shape of the indentation, replacing "slight" with "gentle".

a trace of a dimple

This alternative conveys a very subtle and rounded indentation.

a minimal notch

This alternative describes a small, V-shaped indentation.

a hairline groove

This alternative describes a very thin and shallow indentation.

a faint impression

This alternative focuses on the mark left behind, rather than the indentation itself.

a superficial mark

This alternative focuses on the surface level nature of the indentation, indicating it doesn't penetrate deeply.

FAQs

How can I describe something similar to "a slight indentation"?

You can use alternatives such as "minor depression", "shallow recess", or "small dent" depending on the context.

What does "a slight indentation" imply about the size of the indentation?

The phrase implies that the indentation is small and not very deep. It suggests a subtle depression rather than a large or prominent one.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight indentation" to describe damage to a surface?

It can be appropriate if the damage is minimal. However, if the damage is more significant, other terms like "scratch", "dent", or "gouge" might be more accurate.

What's the difference between "a slight indentation" and "a deep indentation"?

"A slight indentation" refers to a shallow, barely noticeable depression, while "a deep indentation" indicates a significant and pronounced depression. The difference lies in the degree of depth and prominence.