a slight kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight kind" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when describing a particular type or category that is minor or not significant. Example: "There was a slight kind of hesitation in her voice when she spoke about the project."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Both epic and intimate, the big painting centers on a slight, kind gesture.

The New Yorker

He kept moving his upper body around in a slight kind of shape or circle, and the movements left a little bit of a visual trail.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a slight moment, I kind of felt what almost every woman has felt for, like, thousands of years.

Vice

The prairie chicken bears only a slight resemblance to the kind of domestic chicken that is most often bred for food.

The New York Times

There is technically a (slight) possibility of some kind of criminal prosecution as well, given that the report apparently accuses the CIA of misleading Congress and even the Bush White House about the effectiveness of torture.

Vice

I should admit at the outset that I have been harboring a slight grudge against these kinds of home treatments for several years.

The New York Times

It was a slight, but elegiac encounter, the kind in which FOOC absolutely specialises.

Independent

The office has a slight odor, and not the kind that might waft up from the tuna canners downstairs.

The New York Times

"It was the kind of a slight that he'd mastered," said Mr. Adler, who has since had a falling-out with Mr. Cuomo.

The New York Times

The ball caught a slight slope, and with the kind of inexplicable ill will that pervades golf at all the wrong times, it then rolled off the green.

The New York Times - Sports

What might have been a slight account of evanescence, a kind of precursor to "American Graffitti," is beefed up by the date of the boys' graduation: 1918.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight kind", ensure the context clearly indicates a minor or subtle category. Consider whether more precise language might enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a slight kind" as a catch-all phrase. Replace it with more descriptive terminology that specifies the actual characteristic or category.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight kind" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a category that is minor, subtle, or limited in scope. Ludwig suggests that while grammatically sound, it may benefit from more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight kind" is used to denote a category or type that is minor or subtle. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it may sound awkward and encourages the use of more precise language for clarity. The phrase appears primarily in News & Media contexts and is relatively rare. When employing "a slight kind", ensure it accurately conveys the intended subtlety and consider whether alternative phrasings might enhance communication. Examples of alternative phrasings include "a small variety", "a mild sort", or "a limited type".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small variety

Replaces "kind" with "variety", indicating a small selection within a larger group.

a mild sort

Substitutes "kind" with "sort" and "slight" with "mild", emphasizing the moderate nature.

a limited type

Uses "type" instead of "kind" and "limited" for "slight", focusing on the restricted nature.

a gentle form

Replaces "kind" with "form" and "slight" with "gentle", suggesting a softer, less intense version.

a minor category

Uses "category" in place of "kind" and "minor" for "slight", highlighting the insignificance of the group.

a subtle class

Substitutes "kind" with "class" and "slight" with "subtle", indicating a discreet or understated group.

a restricted nature

Emphasizes limitation rather than a specific kind, focusing on inherent constraints.

a touch of something

Shifts the focus to a small amount rather than a specific type, adding generality.

a shade of difference

Highlights a minor distinction rather than the type itself, focusing on subtle variance.

a hint of quality

Replaces the general "kind" with a specific attribute, "quality", and "slight" with "hint", indicating a subtle presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight kind" to describe a minor or subtle category. For example, "There was "a slight kind of hesitation" in her voice."

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

Alternatives include "a small variety", "a mild sort", or "a limited type", depending on the context.

Is "a slight kind" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a slight kind" is grammatically acceptable, though Ludwig AI notes it may sound awkward and recommends using more precise language.

When is it appropriate to use "a slight kind"?

It's appropriate when you need to broadly categorize something as being of a minor or less significant nature. However, consider whether a more specific descriptor would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying, "It caused "a slight kind of discomfort"", you might say, "It caused "mild irritation"".