a slight worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a minor concern or apprehension about something. Example: "I have a slight worry about the project's timeline and whether we can meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's your job to enjoy the challenge of coming back.'" Bradley, though, had a slight worry about an incident he was involved in during Monday's practice day.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a slight worry because they were smashed in a physical sense last week, out-tackled 71-52 and simply blown away by half-time.

The Guardian - Sport

We should be, though there's a slight worry that a gust blowing in from the south will bring with it some poor weather.

The Guardian - Sport

Chelsea's undoing last season was failing to win matches that they were expected to win comfortably, and there will remain a slight worry that they could be upset here against a team they lost to unexpectedly last time they met at Stamford Bridge.

Independent

He approved of formality, even romance, as in his mention of la patronne at Floris in Soho: "One feels regret, tinged with a slight worry, that the fresh rose spray worn by this smart, greying lady, is only to be seen occasionally now".Many said he revolutionised British eating habits.

The Economist

Asked about any fears for the future of Test cricket, given the rise of the shorter forms of the game, he replied: "There is a slight worry with the domestic T20 competitions doing so well, but speak to players and there is a still a passion to play Test cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The two strongest defences in the competition are the reason France and Italy face each other tonight and the only slight worry about what should be a compelling final is how a goal is going to be scored.

The Guardian - Sport

Slight worry is their tendency to push forward in a tight game.

The Guardian - Sport

Only one slight worry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The slight worry is that clinicians are very quick to pick up anything that will improve IVF," he said.

The Guardian

They only had one slight worry - what if people twigged that their plan was, like, total shit?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight worry" when you want to express a small, often temporary, concern. It's ideal for situations where the issue is not critical but still warrants attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight worry" when the situation involves significant risks or consequences. Opt for stronger expressions like "serious concern" or "major apprehension" to reflect the gravity of the situation accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight worry" functions as a noun phrase that describes a minor concern or apprehension. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, serving to introduce a feeling of unease without necessarily indicating significant alarm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight worry" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that conveys a minor concern or apprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media where neutrality is key. While "a slight worry" is not as common as other expressions, it effectively communicates a mild level of unease without overstating the situation. Alternatives such as "a mild concern" or "a minor apprehension" can be used to achieve a similar effect, while avoiding the mistake of using it when a stronger expression is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild concern

Substitutes "worry" with "concern" and "slight" with "mild", softening the intensity of the apprehension.

a minor apprehension

Replaces "worry" with the more formal term "apprehension" and "slight" with "minor", maintaining a similar level of concern.

a hint of concern

Uses "hint" to indicate a small degree and retains "concern" to convey the feeling of worry.

a touch of anxiety

Uses "anxiety" instead of "worry", suggesting a slightly more emotional response, and "touch" to indicate the small degree.

a slight misgiving

Uses "misgiving" to express a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome of something, maintaining the "slight" modifier.

a fleeting unease

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the worry by using "fleeting" and replaces "worry" with "unease", indicating a mild discomfort.

a bit of disquiet

Replaces "worry" with "disquiet", indicating a feeling of anxiety or restlessness, and "bit" to denote a small amount.

a passing qualm

Indicates a brief and slight feeling of doubt or worry, using "passing" to highlight its transient nature and "qualm" to express the hesitation.

a small reservation

Suggests a hesitation or doubt rather than a strong worry, using "reservation" as a more subdued alternative.

a trace of trepidation

Employs the formal term "trepidation" to indicate a slight fear or worry about something that might happen.

FAQs

What does "a slight worry" mean?

The phrase "a slight worry" indicates a small or minor concern about something. It suggests a mild level of anxiety or apprehension.

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

You can use "a slight worry" to express a minor concern. For example, "I have "a slight worry" about the project's deadline".

What can I say instead of "a slight worry"?

You can use alternatives like "a mild concern", "a minor apprehension", or "a touch of anxiety" depending on the context.

Is "a slight worry" formal or informal?

"A slight worry" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall situation.