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a sliver of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a sliver of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small, thin, and/or narrow piece of something. Here are a few examples of "a sliver of" being used in a sentence: - "She only ate a sliver of cake since she was on a diet." - "The old man's hands shook as he sliced a sliver of cheese from the block." - "I could see a sliver of light coming through the crack in the door." - "The artist carefully added a sliver of gold paint to the canvas." - "He only gave me a sliver of the profits from the sale."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
It offered a sliver of optimism.
News & Media
There is a sliver of light.
Science & Research
He's a sliver of the human condition.
News & Media
Yet a sliver of hope remains.
News & Media
A sliver of new moon floats nearby.
News & Media
A sliver of wood changed his fortunes.
News & Media
But still, a sliver of the sun shone out.
Academia
Behind it, though, lies a sliver of campus history.
He let slip a sliver of a smile.
News & Media
You can even take a sliver of hope from it.
News & Media
Online ads account for a sliver of revenue.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "a sliver of" to emphasize the smallness or thinness of what you're describing. It's particularly effective when contrasting with a larger whole or when the small amount is significant.
Common error
Avoid using "a sliver of" to describe abstract quantities that don't inherently have a physical dimension. For example, instead of "a sliver of time", consider "a moment" or "a brief period".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a sliver of" functions as a modifier followed by a noun, serving to describe a small, thin portion or amount of something. Ludwig AI provides examples such as "a sliver of hope" or "a sliver of light", highlighting its role in specifying the quantity of the noun it precedes.
Frequent in
News & Media
64%
Academia
11%
Science
9%
Less common in
Formal & Business
7%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a sliver of" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a small, thin piece or amount of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a modifier, emphasizing the minimal quantity of the noun it describes. It is versatile, appearing in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media. Related phrases include "a fragment of" and "a hint of", offering nuanced alternatives for conveying small quantities or degrees.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a fragment of
This alternative suggests a broken or incomplete part of something, similar to a small piece.
a hint of
This implies a subtle indication or trace, focusing on the minimal presence of something.
a touch of
This refers to a slight amount added or present, often used for intangible qualities.
a trace of
This emphasizes the barely detectable presence of something, highlighting its minimal quantity.
a modicum of
This suggests a small but adequate amount, often implying that more is desired or needed.
a pinch of
This refers to a very small amount, often used in cooking or for abstract qualities.
a shred of
This implies a very small amount, often used when referring to hope or evidence.
a glimmer of
This conveys a faint or fleeting sign, typically of hope or understanding.
a smidgen of
This is an informal term for a very small amount, often used humorously.
a dash of
This is a small amount added to enhance something, similar to "a touch of".
FAQs
How can I use "a sliver of" in a sentence?
Use "a sliver of" to describe a small, thin piece or amount of something. For example, "I ate only "a sliver of" the pie" or "There was "a sliver of" hope left".
What's a good alternative to "a sliver of" when describing hope?
When describing hope, you could use phrases like "a glimmer of hope", "a shred of hope", or "a ray of hope", which all emphasize a small but significant amount of optimism.
Is it appropriate to use "a sliver of" in formal writing?
Yes, "a sliver of" is appropriate in formal writing when used to accurately describe a small or thin piece of something. However, consider more precise or formal alternatives like "a fragment of" or "a trace of" depending on the specific context.
What words typically follow "a sliver of"?
Common words that follow "a sliver of" include nouns like "light", "hope", "moon", "cake", "wood", or "land", referring to items or concepts that can be divided into small, thin portions.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested