Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a small skew
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a small skew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor deviation or distortion in data, measurements, or perspectives. Example: "The analysis showed a small skew in the results, indicating a slight bias in the sample selection."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(4)
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
1 human-written examples
After normalization, the empirical distributions of those statistical methods approximately follow a normal distribution with a small skew (Supplementary Figure S8).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
In particular, the empirical distributions (except for B. anthracis) are left-skewed, whereas the theoretical distributions have no skew or a small right skew.
Science
Moreover, HEX guarantees a small clock skew between neighbors even for wire delays that are only moderately balanced.
The data with large phase-tensor skew angles are inconsistent with the 2D structure assumed for the area; therefore, only the data with small skew angles data (<5°) were used in the 2D inversion undertaken during this study.
Science
Although a small GC-skew was detected around the TSS in Drosophila and an opposite skew (C < G) was observed in human, these were less prominent when compared to those in plants.
Science
In addition, the modelling of the contact patch, treated here as a small step to facilitate skew-free meshing necessary for a reliable converged result, was seen to cause up to a 52% difference in predicted lift characteristics, and an increase in the step of just 2 mm decreased the maximum wake thickness by close to 50% – considerable changes stemming from superficially-minor simplifications.
Although small skews were detected for these species in our present analysis (Table 1; Fig. 1), they were not significant compared to those observed in plants.
Science
This provides a formal approach that is preferable to estimates based on graph-based approaches [ 16- 19] particularly in cases where there is a small amount of skew that can be difficult to study by eye.
Science
The linear mtDNA in medusozoans displayed GC-skew values close to zero: cubozoans, hydrozoans, and scyphozoans all shared a small positive GC-skew (on average 0.04 standard deviation [SD] = 0.03) between the two strands of the coding sequences, while staurozoans had a slightly negative GC-skew (−0.05 SD = 0.02).
Science
Most female mice showed a similar spatial distribution, with the exception of CPO-treated Rl +/− mice, which showed a small but significant skewing toward more time spent in the centre and less time spent in the periphery, when compared with vehicle-treated Rl +/+ mice.
Science
The second PCA dimension similarly spreads the kinases into a moderately inhibited cluster, skewed toward a smaller set of kinases that are tightly inhibited; here,this includes EGFR and several of its variants, but not the two T790M mutants.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing data distributions, use "a small skew" to acknowledge a minor asymmetry without overstating its importance. Consider providing the skewness value for clarity.
Common error
Avoid drawing strong conclusions from data exhibiting only "a small skew". Ensure that any observed effects are statistically significant and not simply due to random variation or noise.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a small skew" functions as a modifier to describe the extent or degree of asymmetry or deviation in a distribution, dataset, or any measurable phenomenon. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
15%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a small skew" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression, especially in scientific and technical contexts, to describe a minor asymmetry or deviation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its specific meaning depends on the context, it generally implies that some imbalance exists but is not substantial enough to warrant major concern. When using this phrase, it is important to consider its register; while suitable for formal and professional communication, alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation. Remember to avoid drawing overly strong conclusions from data exhibiting only "a small skew". Alternatives such as "slight deviation" or "minor bias" offer similar nuances.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
slight deviation
Focuses on the act of departing from what is expected or normal, emphasizing the minimal nature of the difference.
minor bias
Highlights the presence of a slight prejudice or inclination in a particular direction.
slight distortion
Emphasizes the alteration of the original form or shape in a subtle manner.
small imbalance
Indicates a lack of perfect equilibrium or symmetry, with the emphasis on the minimal degree of disparity.
minor asymmetry
Highlights the lack of exact correspondence between sides or halves, emphasizing the small degree of difference.
marginal difference
Focuses on a difference that is barely significant or noticeable.
negligible slant
Emphasizes the insignificance of the inclination or slope.
gentle curve
Suggests a smooth, gradual bend or departure from a straight line.
modest inclination
Highlights a slight tendency or preference towards a particular direction or outcome.
tiny variation
Emphasizes the almost imperceptible change or difference.
FAQs
How do I use "a small skew" in a sentence?
You can use "a small skew" to describe a slight imbalance or asymmetry in data. For example: "The data analysis revealed "a small skew" in the distribution of responses."
What's the difference between "a small skew" and "a large skew"?
"A small skew" indicates a minor departure from symmetry, while "a large skew" suggests a significant imbalance or distortion in the data.
Which is more accurate, "a slight skew" or "a small skew"?
Both "a slight skew" and "a small skew" are acceptable and have very similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context.
What are some alternative phrases for "a small skew"?
You can use alternatives like "slight deviation", "minor bias", or "slight distortion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested