a slim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim" is not a complete and grammatically correct sentence; it is a noun phrase that does not have a verb.
However, it can be used in various ways within a sentence. Here are a few examples: 1. As a noun: - She often drinks a slim of water before going to bed. - The doctor recommended that I have just a slim of ice cream instead of a whole bowl. 2. As an adjective: - She is a slim woman with long blonde hair. - The room was decorated in a slim and modern style. 3. As part of a prepositional phrase: - The book was hidden behind a slim of books. - He was standing next to a slim of trees, waiting for the bus. Note: When using "a slim" in these ways, it is important to make sure that the noun or verb that follows is singular and matches the article "a." For example, "a slim of water" is correct, but "a slim of waters" is not.

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leonard had a Slim.

The New Yorker

"I'm a slim percent".

The New York Times - Sports

She had a Slim.

The New Yorker

A slim and stately debutante,.

The New Yorker

It's a slim hope.

The New York Times

A slim worse, true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only a slim one.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've never been a slim guy.

The New York Times

He put down a slim screwdriver.

The New Yorker

That measure passed by a slim margin.

The New York Times

They earned a slim but honorable victory.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slim" to describe physical attributes, ensure it aligns with the subject's overall presentation. For example, "a slim volume" suggests conciseness, while "a slim chance" indicates low probability.

Common error

Avoid using "a slim" to describe concepts that don't relate to physical dimensions or probability. For example, saying "a slim understanding" is less effective than "a limited understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim" primarily functions as a determiner and adjective modifying a noun. It specifies a characteristic of the noun related to thinness, smallness, or slightness. Ludwig AI shows it frequently precedes nouns like "chance", "majority", "volume", and "woman".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slim" functions as a determiner and adjective, frequently used to describe something thin, small, or marginal. Ludwig AI demonstrates its common usage across various contexts, including news, media, and general writing. While not grammatically a complete sentence, its presence in many valid sentences makes it acceptable. Its register is neutral, and alternatives include "slender", "narrow", and "slight". It's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding misuse with abstract concepts. The phrase's frequent appearance in reputable sources contributes to its high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slender

Focuses on a graceful and elegant thinness.

a narrow

Emphasizes reduced width or limited scope.

a thin

Describes something with little thickness or substance.

a slight

Highlights a small degree or extent.

a lean

Suggests efficiency and lack of excess.

a small

General term for reduced size or amount.

a marginal

Indicates being at the edge or periphery, often in a quantitative sense.

a limited

Implies a restricted quantity or scope.

a meager

Denotes a lack of abundance or sufficiency.

a lightweight

Focuses on reduced weight or substance.

FAQs

How can I use "a slim" in a sentence?

You can use "a slim" to describe something that is thin, narrow, or slight in quantity or size. For example: "She has a slim figure" or "There's a slim chance of success".

What can I say instead of "a slim" when referring to a small chance?

Alternatives to "a slim" chance include "a slight chance", "a minimal chance", or "a remote possibility" depending on the degree of improbability.

Is it correct to use "a slim" to describe an abstract concept like understanding?

While understandable, it's more precise to use alternatives like "limited", "basic", or "superficial" when describing abstract concepts such as understanding. So instead of saying "a slim understanding", prefer "a limited understanding".

What's the difference between "a slim" and "a thin"?

"A slim" generally implies a pleasing or desirable thinness, often related to physique or design. "A thin" is a more general term for reduced thickness, without necessarily carrying the same positive connotations.