a slightly dry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly dry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a minor lack of moisture or is not very moist, often in the context of food or beverages. Example: "The cake turned out a bit too dense, and it was a slightly dry texture that made it less enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A slightly dry, boneless grilled breast of chicken ($18) was ordinary.

The New York Times

Only a slightly dry baked lobster with a sea scallop-spinach stuffing was disappointing.

The New York Times

Corbijn gives us a slightly dry, hard-focus color (Martin Ruhe is the cinematographer), and he relishes stillness and silence.

The New Yorker

Desserts at our first dinner were ho-hum: a soupy tiramisù parfait and a slightly dry pumpkin cheesecake.

The New York Times

A slightly dry chicken breast in a splendid sauce of cream, Cognac, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms was nearly saved by that luscious amalgam.

The New York Times

I was less impressed with a slightly dry and grainy piece of prime rib ($17 for 16 ounces) and a somewhat gristly 16-ounce shell steak ($20) that was less than moist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Its fruit-salad aroma gives way to an entirely agreeable, creamy, zingy drink with a slightly dry-pineapple flavor.

The New York Times

The only misfire among two dozen dishes sampled was a drab, slightly dry striped bass fillet with a lackluster watercress garnish.

The New York Times

Three side dishes ($2.95) -- an interesting, though slightly dry potato salad (egg bits, onions, green peppers), a creamy macaroni salad free of preservatives and moist squares of jalapeno-flecked corn bread -- are available on the a la carte menu.

The New York Times

A rather chewy and slightly dry sliced sirloin steak ($24) was partly redeemed by its oniony, golden brown potato hash, spinach leek gratin and memorable mushroom escabeche.

The New York Times

With the new theater, Mr. Marsalis said, "we're trying to find a space in which the tail of the echo is long enough to be slightly dry as a classical hall but perfect for us".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food textures, use "a slightly dry" to indicate a minor deficiency in moisture, which might be desirable in some contexts (e.g., certain cakes or wines).

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly dry" when describing something that should be inherently moist or wet, as it can create a negative impression. For example, saying "a slightly dry soup" is generally undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly dry" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by specifying a particular quality related to its moisture content. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes food texture, such as "a slightly dry chicken breast."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly dry" is a useful descriptor for indicating a minor lack of moisture, often in the context of food, beverages, or even skin conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and relatively common, particularly in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context in which it's used, as overusing it or applying it to inappropriate objects (e.g., "a slightly dry soup") can detract from your writing. By understanding its purpose and considering related phrases, you can effectively use "a slightly dry" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat dry

Indicates a similar level of dryness but uses a different adverb.

a bit dry

A more informal way to express a similar level of dryness.

a little dry

Similar in meaning to "a bit dry", indicating a minor degree of dryness.

marginally dry

More formal alternative, suggesting a minimal level of dryness.

barely dry

Implies that the item is almost not dry at all.

slightly arid

Replaces "dry" with "arid", offering a more sophisticated tone.

somewhat parched

Uses "parched" to emphasize dryness, typically in relation to thirst or land.

not very moist

Expresses the concept by negating moisture, focusing on the absence of it.

a touch dry

Emphasizes the minor amount of dryness using "touch".

just a little dry

Reiterates the minor amount of dryness for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly dry" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly dry" to describe the texture of food, such as "The cake had "a slightly dry" crumb" or to describe the finish of wine.

What are some alternatives to saying "a slightly dry"?

Alternatives to "a slightly dry" include "somewhat dry", "a bit dry", or "a little dry" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to describe a liquid as "a slightly dry"?

Describing a liquid as "a slightly dry" is generally unusual, but could be acceptable in very specific contexts, such as the finish of a wine, where "a slightly dry" finish might be a desirable quality.

What's the difference between "a slightly dry" and "a very dry"?

"A slightly dry" indicates a minor lack of moisture, while "a very dry" implies a significant lack of moisture. The former might be acceptable or even desirable in some contexts, while the latter typically indicates a problem or undesirable quality.