a slight number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight number" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually implies a small or insignificant quantity of something. Example: "There was only a slight number of attendees at the meeting, which made it difficult to make any major decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Twenty years is now considered a distance in time that might indicate safety, but a slight number of AIDS cases are anomolous; that is, the delay in illness is not explicable within the assumed rules, even under the most careful, cynical investigation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While there's no strategy to the card-play itself between the Banker hand and the Player hand, there's still a slight numbers advantage that can work in your favor.

WikiHow

Performance evaluated by FCC gasoline showed that catalyst RA performed best in desulfurization with a slight octane number loss.

Applied Petrochemical Research

However, some subtle features can be useful in the histological diagnosis such as a slight increased number of fusiform and loosely arranged mast cells situated around dilated superficial capillaries.

Plosone

The transformation of this technique to CT and CX showed a quasi-identical distribution of the CDs except a slight higher number of CDs in the third Sector.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Key features are highlighted, such as a slight Reynolds-number dependence of force coefficients and Strouhal number in smooth flow, or the turbulence-induced variation of the length of the separation bubbles along the lateral sides of the cylinder.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Finally, the wake measurements described some vortex-shedding features, confirming a slight Reynolds-number dependence of the Strouhal frequency.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Even "Billionaire," a slight, reggae-influenced number that reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, has a moody underbelly.

The New York Times - Arts

It is noteworthy also that Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, which had a remarkably high publication index, showed a slight decrease in number of publications over a 25 year period.

Plosone

A slight increase in number of HFMD cases was observed in September and October.

BMC Infectious Diseases

A slight to moderate number of heterophils and macrophages infiltrated both, bone debris and the fibrin/blood clot matrix.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight number", ensure the context clearly indicates what the number refers to. Providing specific data or comparison enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight number" when the quantity is actually significant in the context. Always consider the relative impact of the number being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight number" functions as a determiner phrase quantifying a noun. It indicates that the noun being modified exists in a small or insignificant quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight number" is a grammatically sound way to indicate a small or insignificant quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While categorized as 'Rare' in frequency, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki, maintaining a neutral register. For alternatives, consider "a small amount" or "a minimal quantity" for similar meanings. Remember to ensure the context aligns with the quantity you're describing to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A minimal quantity

Replaces "slight number" with a more formal term for a small amount.

A small amount

Uses "amount" instead of "number", suitable for uncountable items.

An insignificant number

Emphasizes the unimportance of the small quantity.

A modest quantity

Replaces "slight" with "modest", indicating a small but sufficient amount.

A limited quantity

Emphasizes the restricted or finite nature of the small number.

A handful

Suggests a quantity that can be held in one hand, implying a small number.

A trace amount

Indicates an extremely small, almost undetectable quantity.

A trickle

Implies a very small, almost insignificant number, often used figuratively.

A scattering

Suggests a small, dispersed number.

A sparse amount

Highlights the scattered and infrequent nature of the small number.

FAQs

What does "a slight number" mean?

The phrase "a slight number" refers to a small or insignificant quantity of something. It implies that the amount is not substantial or impactful.

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

You can use "a slight number" to describe quantities, like: "There was "a slight number" of errors in the report, so it was approved quickly."

What are some alternatives to "a slight number"?

You can use alternatives like "a small amount", "a minimal quantity", or "a handful" depending on the context.

Is "a slight number" formal or informal?

The phrase "a slight number" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "a minimal quantity" might be preferred in very formal writing.