albeit subtle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "albeit subtle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession, indicating that something is true, even if it is not immediately obvious or is understated. Example: "The changes in the policy were significant, albeit subtle, and required careful analysis to fully understand their implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Graeme distancing himself from prize ringpiece David Platt earlier this month was an important, albeit subtle, plot juncture.

The Guardian

In order to survive and thrive, network late-night shows must make progressive, albeit subtle changes to attract the younger audiences who have left them.

The Guardian - Music

That was a shift – albeit subtle – in policy, many analysts said, in publicly endorsing using the borders before the 1967 war as a starting point for talks on a two-state solution.

The New York Times

I am asian american, grew up in Hawaii where Asians are actually the majority, and STILL experienced racism, albeit subtle, by comments from caucasian kids WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER growing up here, but who felt they could get away with it by insisting anything they said, when confronted was a joke.

University of California, Berkeley

Our results show that participants will thoroughly invest in either an other-centric or egocentric mode of responding, and that perspective-taking strategies are not always dictated by minimizing processing demands, but by more potent (albeit subtle) factors in the social context.

Cognition

In a light hearted exchange with her husband on stage, she revealed that he undertakes domestic chores, something that may seem unremarkable, but given that only 2.6% of men take paternity leave in Japan for fear of harming their career prospects, her message was clear albeit subtle, that men have a part to play in helping women take their place in the workforce.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Albeit in a subtle way.

The Guardian

There was one possible warning flag, albeit a subtle one, early last month.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a similar albeit more subtle reference to the alter ego in Gary Hill's "Standing Apart".

The New York Times

That was a shift — albeit a subtle one — in policy, many analysts said, in publicly endorsing using the borders before the 1967 war as a starting point for talks on a two-state solution.

The New York Times

And they did so with the same aesthetic uniformity as the auto industry in its early years, initially stamping out house after house on the same architectural plan, drawn up by brother Alfred Levitt, albeit with subtle variations of colour, window treatment and roofline.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "albeit subtle" to introduce a qualification that acknowledges a less obvious or smaller aspect of a statement, adding depth and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "albeit subtle" in sentences where a simpler conjunction like 'but' or 'though' would suffice. Overusing "albeit" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "albeit subtle" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a qualification to a preceding statement. It acknowledges a particular aspect or condition, while simultaneously underscoring its understated or less prominent nature. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "albeit subtle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves as a concessive conjunction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to introduce a qualification, typically in formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news media publications. While the phrase is considered grammatically correct, you should avoid overuse in place of a simpler conjunction in simple sentences. Consider using alternative phrases such as "though understated" or "even if slight" for variety. Remember to always check your writing and use the proper phrase for the proper situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though understated

Emphasizes the quality of being deliberately downplayed or presented in a restrained manner.

even if slight

Highlights the possibility that something might be small or minimal in degree.

while nuanced

Focuses on the intricate and subtle distinctions or qualities present.

if only marginal

Emphasizes the limited or insignificant extent of something.

though barely perceptible

Stresses the difficulty in noticing or detecting something.

even when minor

Acknowledges that something holds true, despite its seemingly small or insignificant nature.

granted it's faint

Acknowledges the existence of something, although it may not be easily detectable or strong.

though somewhat obscure

Highlights the ambiguous or unclear nature of something.

even if restrained

Emphasizes the controlled or subdued character of something.

while somewhat understated

Highlights the deliberate downplaying or restrained presentation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "albeit subtle" in a sentence?

Use "albeit subtle" to introduce a concession or qualification that is not immediately obvious or significant. For example, "The impact was noticeable, "albeit subtle", requiring careful observation to detect."

What are some alternatives to "albeit subtle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "though understated", "even if slight", or "while nuanced", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "albeit subtle" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "albeit subtle" is suitable for formal writing as it adds a layer of precision and nuance to your statements. It's commonly found in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "albeit subtle" and "but subtle"?

"Albeit subtle" introduces a qualification that is less contrasting than "but subtle". "Albeit" implies a degree of concession, whereas "but" suggests a more direct opposition or contradiction. Therefore "albeit subtle" is more suitable when the subtle aspect doesn't negate the main point.