a slight problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor issue or difficulty that is not overly serious. Example: "We encountered a slight problem with the software update, but it should be resolved shortly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there was a slight problem.

The New York Times

There's a slight problem here.

The Washington Post

This creates a slight problem.

The Guardian

Which presents a slight problem.

The Guardian

Now there's a slight problem here.

Yale University

But there is a slight problem.

University of California, Berkeley

There was a slight problem, however.

The Guardian

Has been scavenging lately, a slight problem.

The New York Times

"The neck is still a slight problem," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's this which becomes a slight problem.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There is, however, a slight problem with the title characters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing issues in project reports or presentations, use "a slight problem" to acknowledge the issue without causing alarm or undermining confidence in the overall progress.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight problem" to describe major issues. This can undermine your credibility and create mistrust. Reserve it for genuinely minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight problem" functions as a noun phrase, where 'slight' modifies 'problem'. It is used to describe a minor issue or difficulty, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor issue or difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in various contexts, including news articles and academic papers, to downplay the severity of an issue. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the problem is genuinely minor to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "a minor issue" or "a small difficulty" can be used interchangeably. Keep in mind that overstating the significance of the problem can undermine trust in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

Focuses on the issue being small or unimportant.

a small difficulty

Emphasizes the challenge being easily manageable.

a trivial concern

Highlights the insignificance of the worry.

a negligible snag

Points out that the obstacle is barely noticeable.

a passing hiccup

Suggests a temporary and quickly resolved disruption.

a minor setback

Indicates a small delay or impediment in progress.

a small glitch

Describes a minor malfunction or error.

a light complication

Emphasizes that the problem is not severe or complex.

a manageable challenge

Highlights the ability to overcome the difficulty with relative ease.

a temporary inconvenience

Focuses on the problem causing a brief disruption to comfort or ease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight problem" to describe a minor issue or difficulty. For example, "There's "a slight problem" with the design, but we can fix it easily."

What are some alternatives to "a slight problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor issue", "a small difficulty", or "a trivial concern" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a slight problem" is appropriate for formal writing when describing genuinely minor issues. However, avoid using it for significant problems as it may sound dismissive.

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

"A slight problem" indicates a minor issue that is easily resolved, while "a major problem" suggests a significant issue that requires more attention and resources to address.