a slight shuffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight shuffle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or subtle movement, often of the feet or body, typically indicating a lack of confidence or hesitation. Example: "As she approached the stage, she made a slight shuffle, unsure of how the audience would react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two minutes later Schürrle stepped inside from the right himself after Nemanja Matic had stolen the ball, unbalanced Laurent Koscielny with a slight shuffle, and shot low into the same corner.

The Guardian - Sport

The gait disturbance in early MMND may be a slight shuffle when walking or a wobble when running.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've asked this question on radio and on television, and on campus and in the other places where people sing, and I've heard only a slight shuffling of Democratic feet.

The New York Times - Books

If this collection does edge in a new direction, it is in Saunders's slight shuffle towards realism, away from the more wildly imaginative stories that dominated his earlier books (there is no sword-wielding packet of Doritos in this collection, for instance).

The Guardian - Books

The warm, rolling bass tones, faraway vocal snips, buoyant hand drums, and slight shuffle jive well with the label's plush house aesthetic, not to mention the vibe of dwindling hot days.

Vice

He did a little shuffle and sighed.

The New Yorker

And be honest about what would be a disruption for you -- the slightest shuffling, bawling, a running commentary, hand-stands up the aisle..

Huffington Post

The only effect of the shuffling in the large scale was a slight increase in the corresponding peak: as the shuffling homogenizes the small scale, the large scale patchiness becomes more discernible.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, the folding energy distribution for AT-rich CRISPR shows only a slight shift compared to the distribution for shuffled sequences and is completely different from the distribution for miRNA precursors of the same base composition (Fig. 7b).

Biology Direct

Shuffle your (free) right leg in front of you at a slight angle.

WikiHow

A slight?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight shuffle" to describe a small, often hesitant or awkward, movement. It is particularly suitable when describing physical actions, like someone shifting their feet or adjusting their posture uneasily.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight shuffle" when you intend to describe a major reorganization or significant change. The phrase denotes a minimal or subtle movement, not a substantial overhaul.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight shuffle" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a specific action or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight shuffle" is a noun phrase used to describe a small, often hesitant movement. Ludwig's examples show it appearing in varied sources like news, scientific articles, and general how-to guides. While grammatically correct, it's a relatively rare expression. When considering alternatives, be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning, such as "a minor adjustment" or "a small shift", depending on the specific context you want to convey. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often describing physical actions that reflect hesitation or unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal movement

Emphasizes the small amount of motion involved.

a small shift

Emphasizes a change in position or state, with less emphasis on movement.

a trace of movement

Focuses on the barely perceptible nature of the motion.

a minor adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting something slightly, rather than a shuffling motion.

a delicate adjustment

Focuses on precision and care in making a change.

a subtle rearrangement

Highlights the act of reorganizing in a delicate way.

a quiet repositioning

Highlights the act of moving something to a new location without causing disturbance.

a gentle stir

Implies a slow and careful mixing motion, different from a shuffle.

a soft nudge

Suggests a gentle push or encouragement, rather than a shuffling motion.

a light jostle

Implies a bumping or shaking motion, different from a shuffle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight shuffle" to describe a small, often hesitant movement, like "He did "a little shuffle" before answering the question", or "The gait disturbance in early MMND may be "a slight shuffle" when walking".

What does "a slight shuffle" imply?

"A slight shuffle" generally implies a small, often uneasy or awkward movement, typically involving the feet. It can suggest hesitation, nervousness, or a minor adjustment.

What are some alternatives to "a slight shuffle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a minor adjustment", "a small shift", or "a minimal movement".

Is "a slight shuffle" formal or informal?

"A slight shuffle" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing.