almost imperceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost imperceptible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "The changes were so subtle that they were almost imperceptible." This phrase can be used to describe changes that are so small or gradual that they are difficult to notice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An almost imperceptible sound.

The New York Times

It was almost imperceptible.

The New York Times

It is a slow, almost imperceptible process.

The New York Times - Magazine

The connection itself would be almost imperceptible.

The New York Times

The driver slowed almost imperceptible, and said over his shoulder.

The New Yorker

The transmission, with its almost imperceptible shifts, was a delight.

The New York Times

There is a smile and an almost imperceptible nod.

The Guardian - Arts

It's almost imperceptible, this closing down, but it's there.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Heckart portrays Gladys's decline in almost imperceptible gradations.

The New York Times

It was the first, almost imperceptible sign of looming trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

The change in her was slow and almost imperceptible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost imperceptible" to describe subtle changes, variations, or differences that are difficult to detect without close observation. For instance, "The difference in taste between the two wines was almost imperceptible."

Common error

Avoid using "almost imperceptible" when the subject is clearly noticeable. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can confuse your audience. Ensure the subject truly requires careful attention to be detected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost imperceptible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is barely noticeable or detectable. It is used to describe qualities or changes that are subtle and require careful observation, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost imperceptible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase, meaning something is barely noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most commonly in News & Media, and its purpose is to emphasize the subtlety of a change or quality. When writing, remember to use it to describe things truly difficult to perceive, and consider alternatives like "barely noticeable" or "scarcely perceptible" for variety. While versatile, avoid using "almost imperceptible" when the subject is clearly obvious, as this diminishes its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely noticeable

Emphasizes the minimal level of noticeability.

scarcely perceptible

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving something.

hardly detectable

Focuses on the challenge of detecting something's presence.

faintly discernible

Stresses the weak and indistinct nature of the perception.

virtually undetectable

Implies that something is so small it might as well not exist.

nearly invisible

Highlights the visual aspect of being difficult to perceive.

subtle

Focuses on a delicate or understated quality.

minute

Emphasizes the extremely small size or degree.

slight

Indicates a small amount or degree of something.

gradual

Focuses on the slow or incremental nature of change.

FAQs

How can I use "almost imperceptible" in a sentence?

You can use "almost imperceptible" to describe something that is very difficult to notice or detect. For example: "The change in temperature was "almost imperceptible"" or "There was an "almost imperceptible" tremor in her voice".

What's a good alternative to "almost imperceptible"?

Alternatives include "barely noticeable", "scarcely perceptible", or "hardly detectable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "almost imperceptible"?

No, it is not redundant. "Imperceptible" means impossible to perceive, so "almost imperceptible" means very difficult to perceive, but still potentially detectable. The "almost" qualifies the degree of imperceptibility.

When should I use "almost imperceptible" instead of "negligible"?

"Almost imperceptible" focuses on the difficulty of noticing something, while "negligible" refers to something so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. Use "almost imperceptible" when describing something difficult to sense, and "negligible" when describing something insignificant in impact or amount.