a slight push

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slight push' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a small amount of force being applied to something. For example, "A slight push was all it took for the door to open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A slight push of cool, stale air.

The New Yorker

"At the moment the enemy has become so weak, they just need a slight push".

The New York Times

One curious passerby gave the fiberglass body a slight push; it tipped precariously.

The New York Times

On the final bend of the men's 500m final Ohno gave Tremblay a slight push.

The Guardian - Sport

Jefferson was so tired in the eighth round that Izon sent him to the canvas with a slight push.

The New York Times - Sports

A slight push on the gas pedal and there's an instant application of power, shifting weight to the rear and scooting the Forester out of the turn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

If U were the interior of a smooth simple closed curve, then one could envision a simple proof by considering the winding number around a given w in the unit disc of a slight push-in of the boundary of U. If the boundary were pushed in a small enough amount, then the image of the pushed-in boundary would be close to the edge of the unit disc.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Caine has trod this territory before.He wrote about his life in an earlier book, the 1992 "What's It All About?" But he is now Sir Michael Caine, so he has at least one new thing to talk about.Naturally, he has stories to tell about the day on which he was knighted.He noticed that in the queen's handshake "there is a very slight push towards you in case you have forgotten it is over".

The New York Times - Books

And with a short walk and slight push of the door we found ourselves staring at a euphoric sea of college students moshing to possibly the biggest debt party of all -- student loans.

Huffington Post

The force used to activate an electric sharpener --the slight push you give it--can be used to power the sharpener.

The New Yorker

Vet move from Wallace here on an underthrow ball with the slight push (or shove) to the back of Cromarite.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight push" when describing a minimal application of force that initiates movement or change. It's particularly useful in contexts where the force is barely perceptible but still effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight push" when a more significant force is involved. This phrase downplays the intensity and can mislead the reader about the actual magnitude of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight push" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a minimal physical action or a subtle form of encouragement. The phrase conveys a gentle or minimal application of force.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight push" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a minimal application of force or a subtle form of encouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts. While generally neutral in register, its frequency and contexts of use lean towards news and media, as well as general writing. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether a more forceful term might be necessary, as "a slight push" downplays the intensity of the action. Use it to initiate a movement. The examples provide guidance on how to correctly employ this phrase in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle shove

Implies a more delicate and less forceful application of pressure than "a slight push".

a small nudge

Indicates a very subtle and often indirect form of encouragement or movement compared to "a slight push".

a mild shove

Suggests a slightly stronger application of force than "a slight push", but still relatively gentle.

a light tap

Refers to a brief, gentle contact, differing from the sustained pressure of "a slight push".

a soft touch

Emphasizes the delicacy and gentleness of the action, focusing on minimal impact compared to "a slight push".

a gentle urging

Shifts the context towards encouragement or persuasion rather than physical force, unlike "a slight push".

a mild impetus

Highlights the initiating force or motivation, differing from the direct physical action implied by "a slight push".

a subtle encouragement

Focuses on providing support or motivation subtly, rather than applying physical force as in "a slight push".

a gentle prompting

Implies a mild form of suggestion or cue, diverging from the physical action of "a slight push".

a minor influence

Indicates a weak effect on something unlike the physical act of pushing expressed by "a slight push".

FAQs

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

"A slight push" can be used to describe a minimal amount of physical force, such as "a slight push opened the door", or to describe a small amount of encouragement, such as "he just needed a slight push".

What phrases are similar to "a slight push"?

Similar phrases include "a gentle shove", "a small nudge", or ""a light tap"", depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a slight push"?

It's inappropriate when describing situations involving significant force or momentum. Using it in such cases may misrepresent the intensity of the action.

Is "a slight push" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.