a slight slant

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight slant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small variation or deviation from a straight line, such as: "The roof of the shed had a slight slant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not realising the platform had a slight slant, his 18-month-old grandchild's buggy rolled away from him and crashed face-first onto the train tracks.

Independent

The football should be mostly upright with a slight slant toward the holder.

WikiHow

Position the the blade at a slight slant to the line of the wood.

WikiHow

A slight slant is typically not a problem, but too much of one can make reading difficult.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You can cut your hair at a slight angle if you'd like a bit of a slant to your cut.

WikiHow

Cut at a slight angle.

WikiHow

"It was conceived as a kind of Council of Foreign Relations with a slight Asian slant, but in the meantime we had become a genuinely public institution," he said.

The New Yorker

The starters have a slight Italian slant, which is right up my street, but it's the fresh-as-can-be shellfish you really come for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you wish, you can cut the plantains at a slight diagonal slant.

WikiHow

Cut the branch on a slight downward slant just before a node.

WikiHow

Tap the nail into the wall, on a slight upward angle slant.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a slight slant" to convey a subtle, often intentional, deviation from a perfectly horizontal or vertical alignment. For example, "The artist gave the table legs a slight slant for aesthetic appeal."

Common error

Avoid using "a slight slant" to describe steep slopes or significant angles. This phrase is meant for minor deviations only. If the angle is noticeable, consider terms like "moderate slope" or "distinct incline" instead.

Linguistic Context

"A slight slant" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a minor deviation from a horizontal or vertical plane. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical objects, like a roof or a blade, or even abstract concepts like a bias.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight slant" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it accurately describes a minor deviation from a horizontal or vertical position. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately portraying a subtle, rather than significant, deviation. Consider alternatives like "gentle incline" or "minor tilt" for variety. It's a useful phrase for adding detail and precision to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle incline

Replaces "slant" with "incline", emphasizing the gradual upward slope.

a minor tilt

Substitutes "slant" with "tilt", highlighting a small angular deviation.

a subtle slope

Uses "slope" instead of "slant", focusing on a gradual rise or fall.

a small deviation

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term for a departure from a straight line or norm.

a partial bias

Emphasizes a small leaning in a particular direction or preference.

a delicate list

Uses "list" to convey a subtle leaning or tilting to one side.

a hint of inclination

Replaces "slant" with "inclination", adding a touch of formality.

a touch of asymmetry

Focuses on the lack of perfect symmetry due to a slight lean.

a fractional grade

Emphasizes a very small amount of inclination.

a marginal decline

Highlights a small downward slope or decrease.

FAQs

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

Use "a slight slant" to describe something that deviates subtly from a straight or level position. For example, "The roof had a slight slant to allow rainwater to drain."

What's a good substitute for "a slight slant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gentle incline", "minor tilt", or "subtle slope".

Is it better to say "a slight angle" or "a slight slant"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a slight slant" often refers to a surface or line that isn't perfectly horizontal or vertical, while "a slight angle" typically describes the intersection of two lines or surfaces.

What does "a slight slant" imply about the object being described?

It implies that the object is nearly level or straight, but has a small, often intentional, deviation from that perfect alignment. This deviation might be functional, like for drainage, or aesthetic.