a slight qualification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight qualification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a minor adjustment or condition that modifies a statement or assertion. Example: "While the proposal is generally sound, I would like to add a slight qualification regarding the budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet the fact that it is also hoovering up their prejudices reflects how populist, not serious, the party is.That deserves a slight qualification.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I scraped the final at the Olympics, coming eighth after a slight mistake in the qualifications and I just had to really go for it and I was so happy to come out there with that bronze".

BBC

Socio-demographic characteristics were well balanced across the arms (Table 1), except for a slight difference in the proportion of women with no educational qualifications (35% usual care, 41% booklet and 44% interaction arm).

British Journal of Cancer

There was no significant change in the intake of tranquilizers for men as a whole, but a slight decrease among those with high secondary education (1.8 %) and an increase among those without any qualification (5.7 %).

BMC Public Health

Miley's result at least marked a slight improvement on her 2008 Olympics where she finished sixth after swimming poorly in the final after a promising qualification race in Beijing.

The Guardian - Sport

A slight?

The New York Times

A slight firm tilt.

The New Yorker

A slight pause.

The New York Times - Sports

A slight smile rose.

The New York Times

And a slight, crowded smile.

The New York Times

It is not a slight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight qualification" to add nuance without derailing your argument. It helps to acknowledge potential weaknesses or limitations without sacrificing the overall strength of your claim.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of your "a slight qualification". If the qualification significantly alters the meaning, consider rephrasing your main statement to better reflect the overall message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight qualification" functions as a modifier or hedge, adding nuance to a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a minor condition or limitation, softening the impact of the main claim. Examples in Ludwig show it used to temper assertions in news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight qualification" is a phrase used to introduce a minor condition or limitation to a statement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and functions to refine claims and enhance accuracy. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase serves to temper assertions without undermining their core meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the qualification genuinely remains minor and contributes to overall clarity. Considering its relative infrequency, choose this phrase judiciously to maintain the desired level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor caveat

Focuses on a specific exception or limitation.

a small adjustment

Emphasizes a fine-tuning or correction.

a limited condition

Highlights the constraints or boundaries of an agreement.

a modest provision

Implies a careful or restrained addition.

a partial stipulation

Indicates a requirement that only applies in certain cases.

a gentle amendment

Suggests a subtle or delicate change.

a measured reservation

Conveys a thoughtful expression of doubt or hesitation.

a tempered exception

Focuses on a deviation that is moderated or controlled.

a qualified acceptance

Emphasizes that the agreement comes with specific terms.

a conditional agreement

Highlights that the consensus is based on fulfilling certain requirements.

FAQs

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

Use "a slight qualification" to introduce a minor condition or adjustment to a statement. For example, "The project is on track, with "a slight qualification" regarding resource allocation."

What are some alternatives to "a slight qualification"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor caveat", "a small adjustment", or "a limited condition" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a minor limitation or condition that doesn't fundamentally change the overall meaning or validity of your statement. It adds nuance without significantly altering the core message.

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

"A slight qualification" indicates a minor adjustment or condition, while "a major qualification" suggests a more significant or fundamental change. Use "a slight qualification" when the condition is relatively small and doesn't drastically alter the original statement.