are barely worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are barely worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items, typically clothing or shoes, that have been used very little or show minimal signs of wear. Example: "These shoes are barely worn, making them a great deal for anyone looking for a like-new pair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And $500 billion is wasted every year on clothes that are barely worn and rarely recycled.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Despite being barely worn, it was hard to sell to British consumers, especially when they could buy new from the high street for the same price.

The Guardian

"She's confused about what she wants to be: on the one hand, a Bowiesque eccentric and artist – but she's barely wearing any clothes".

The Guardian - Music

Hart: "And these are images of real characters out there in the comic book universe and you could see right in front of our eyes how the women were barely wearing clothing".

The Guardian - Film

After a brief flirtation I realized that I was barely wearing it or caring about its apps.

TechCrunch

And that she is barely wearing any clothes.

Vice

Ledger also said that he felt he was barely wearing any make-up.

Wikipedia

Kourtney Kardashian looks stylish in just about anything, even when she's barely wearing anything at all.

Huffington Post

If you want look like you're barely wearing makeup, choose a liner that's just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.

WikiHow

She often used a light blue or a peach shade on her eyelids, sometimes looking like she was barely wearing any eyeshadow at all.

WikiHow

This is pristine, barely worn cashmere.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items for sale, using "are barely worn" can increase perceived value and attract buyers seeking near-new items at a reduced price.

Common error

Avoid using "are barely worn" if the item shows significant signs of wear and tear. Accurate descriptions build trust with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are barely worn" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (typically clothing, shoes, or other personal items). It indicates the degree of use or wear an item has experienced. This analysis aligns with Ludwig's suggestion that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are barely worn" is a useful and grammatically correct way to describe items that have experienced minimal use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it serves the purpose of informing the reader about the condition of an item, particularly in sales or evaluation scenarios. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its suitability for various writing styles and registers. Alternatives like "are almost new" or "are hardly worn" can be employed for variety, ensuring the description remains accurate and trustworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are hardly worn

Similar to "are barely worn", but with a slightly different adverb.

are minimally worn

Focuses on the very small amount of wear present.

are virtually unworn

Similar to "practically unused", highlighting a near-new condition.

are almost new

Indicates a condition very close to new, implying minimal usage.

are practically unused

Conveys a sense of being almost entirely new and unused.

are scarcely used

Emphasizes the infrequency of use, suggesting a near-new state.

are slightly used

Highlights a minimal degree of usage.

show minimal wear

Shifts the focus to the visible signs of wear, which are very few.

are in excellent condition

Suggests very little wear and tear, maintaining a high-quality state.

are in pristine condition

Implies an untouched or undamaged state, often due to lack of use.

FAQs

How can I use "are barely worn" in a sentence?

You can use "are barely worn" to describe items, especially clothing or shoes, that have been used very little. For instance: "These shoes "are barely worn", making them a great deal."

What are some alternatives to saying "are barely worn"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are almost new", "are hardly worn", or "are slightly used". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "are barely worn" in formal writing?

Yes, "are barely worn" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a clear and accurate way to describe the condition of an item.

What's the difference between "are barely worn" and "are unworn"?

"Are barely worn" implies some minimal use, while "are unworn" suggests the item is completely new and has never been used. Therefore, they are not interchangeable.