The phrase "as if slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner or quality that seems to be somewhat or marginally present, often in a figurative or nuanced context.
Example: "She smiled, as if slightly amused by the situation."
Alternatives: "as though somewhat" or "as if a bit".
The strategy of writing as if slightly out of breath is nicely chosen.
The conversation often begins furtively, the question murmured as if slightly shameful or out of place.
"They weren't that happy about it," Tricky says and shakes his head, as if slightly put out by this reaction.
In response to a reporter's question, he said, as if slightly surprised: "Oh, I didn't ask for their vote".
"We were very newly married at the time," she says, as if slightly surprised to do the calculation herself.
The finished wall, which uses straw as a bonding material, appeared as if slightly eroded by a rainstorm.
We found that C32 flies were as, if not slightly more, vigorous as controls (Figure 6D), supporting the idea that the lifespan extension observed in C32 flies is not secondary to decreased physical activity.
Mr Ouattara is credited with curbing the corruption that prevailed under his predecessor, though many Ivorians insist shady dealings remain as prevalent as ever, if slightly better concealed.
At times, she comes across as earnest, if slightly oblivious; at times it seems like she knows exactly what she is doing, which is goading her dad.
For the most part, the wives and girlfriends of hard-core adult gamers seem to view their significant others' fascination with video games as harmless if slightly annoying.
Mr. Segel, playing a less irritating character here than in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," manages to be almost as adorable if slightly less ingratiating than his co-star.
