a slight limp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight limp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or subtle difficulty in walking, often due to an injury or condition affecting the leg or foot. Example: "After the accident, he walked with a slight limp that was noticeable but not severe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He walked away, with a slight limp.

The New Yorker

The old dog approaches, walking with a slight limp.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scurrying around with only a slight limp, Sampras played on.

The New York Times - Sports

"He runs with a slight limp," DiFazio said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Emerson is played with a sinister smile and a slight limp by Ellen Burstyn.

The Washington Post

A quiet man with an intense gaze, Mr. Broderick walks with a slight limp.

The New York Times

Though he had a slight limp and used crutches at home, he stayed fit by rowing.

The New York Times

He walked slowly, a brace on his right knee and a slight limp in his gait.

The Washington Post

He appeared to be walking with a slight limp, but I couldn't say for sure.

The New Yorker

A slight limp causes Ashoke's right foot to drag almost imperceptibly with each step.

The New Yorker

His hair was plaited in cornrows, and he walked with a slight limp.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "a slight limp" to indicate a subtle physical imperfection without being overly dramatic. This can add depth and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid adding too many adjectives before "limp", such as "a very, very slight limp". This can make the description sound awkward. Instead, rely on the context to convey the degree of the limp.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight limp" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes a particular manner of walking, specifically one characterized by a minor degree of unevenness or difficulty. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sports

22%

Literature

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight limp" is a grammatically sound and widely used descriptive term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to subtly characterize someone's gait, suggesting a minor physical impairment without being overly graphic. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles, from journalistic reporting to fictional narratives. While the phrase is most prevalent in "News & Media", "Sports", and "Literature", it's crucial to avoid overusing adjectives to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "a mild limp" or "a barely noticeable limp" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild limp

Replaces "slight" with "mild", indicating a similar degree of severity.

a small limp

Substitutes "slight" with "small", conveying the same meaning.

a subtle limp

Uses "subtle" to highlight the delicate nature of the limp.

a faint limp

Replaces "slight" with "faint", suggesting the limp is barely discernible.

a barely noticeable limp

Emphasizes the subtlety of the limp, making it almost imperceptible.

a trace of a limp

Emphasizes the minimal presence of the limp.

a minor hobble

Uses "hobble" instead of "limp", suggesting a less smooth gait.

a touch of a limp

Suggests the limp is very light and almost insignificant.

a negligible limp

Indicates that the limp is so small it's practically non-existent.

a near imperceptible limp

Reiterates that the limp is very difficult to notice.

FAQs

How can I describe a more severe limp than "a slight limp"?

To describe a more pronounced limp, you could use phrases like "a noticeable limp", "a pronounced limp", or even "a hobbling gait". The key is to choose language that accurately reflects the severity of the walking difficulty.

What causes someone to walk with "a slight limp"?

A slight limp can be caused by various factors, including minor muscle strains, joint stiffness, old injuries, or even temporary discomfort. It's often a sign of a minor issue that doesn't significantly impede movement.

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

Yes, "a slight limp" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It's a neutral and descriptive phrase that doesn't carry any negative connotations.

What are some synonyms for "limp" that I can use with "slight"?

While "limp" is the most common and direct term, you could also consider using words like "hobble" or "gait" in certain contexts. For example, "a slight hobble" or "a slight alteration in his gait".