barely perceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

"barely perceptible" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is detectable, but only just barely so. For example, "The only sign of life in the room was a barely perceptible movement of the curtains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That city is barely perceptible today.

The New Yorker

SERVICE -- So efficient it was barely perceptible.

The New York Times

And their bites are barely perceptible.

The New York Times

In practical terms however the color change is barely perceptible.

Displays

Even on moderately expensive speakers, the difference is barely perceptible.

Independent

The changes from electric to hybrid mode were barely perceptible.

The New York Times

The two quakes were barely perceptible to humans.

The New York Times

That barely perceptible delay causes people to search less.

The New York Times - Tech

Their introductory and maturity stages are barely perceptible.

Harvard Business Review

Barely perceptible was the outline of something lumpy within.

The New Yorker

Any green tinge was barely perceptible on Thursday.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely perceptible" when you want to emphasize the subtlety or slightness of something. It's effective in describing nuances in sensory experiences, changes, or differences that are hard to detect.

Common error

Avoid using "barely perceptible" when the subject is clearly noticeable or significant. This can create a contradiction and weaken your description. For example, if the music is very loud and you say it's "barely perceptible", it doesn't make sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely perceptible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent to which something can be noticed or detected, emphasizing that it is only just possible to perceive it. Ludwig confirms this is a common construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely perceptible" is a grammatically correct and versatile adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe something extremely subtle or difficult to detect, conveying a sense of near-imperceptibility. Its frequent occurrence in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, highlights its utility in both objective reporting and nuanced description. While neutral in tone, understanding the subtle variations offered by alternatives like "almost unnoticeable" or "faintly discernible" can enhance precision in writing. Remember to use "barely perceptible" when the subject is truly subtle, or else its impact will be severely diminished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost unnoticeable

Emphasizes the near impossibility of noticing something.

hardly detectable

Focuses on the difficulty of detecting something through measurement or observation.

scarcely visible

Specifically refers to something that is difficult to see.

faintly discernible

Highlights the effort required to discern or distinguish something.

subtly apparent

Suggests that something is present in a subtle or understated way.

just about noticeable

Indicates that something is at the very edge of being able to be noticed.

barely distinguishable

Focuses on the difficulty of telling something apart from something else.

virtually imperceptible

Emphasizes that something is so small or slight that it's nearly impossible to perceive.

marginally appreciable

Highlights that something barely has an appreciable value or amount.

shadow of

Indicates presence is only in small degree.

FAQs

How can I use "barely perceptible" in a sentence?

You can use "barely perceptible" to describe something subtle or difficult to notice. For example, "There was a "barely perceptible" change in her expression" or "The wind was "barely perceptible" on my skin".

What's the difference between "barely perceptible" and "imperceptible"?

"Barely perceptible" means something can just about be noticed, while "imperceptible" means it's impossible to perceive. "Barely perceptible" implies a minimal level of detection, whereas imperceptible implies no detection at all.

What can I say instead of "barely perceptible"?

Alternatives include "almost unnoticeable", "hardly detectable", or "faintly discernible". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of 'barely perceptible' you want to emphasize.

Is "barely perceptible" formal or informal?

"Barely perceptible" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, scientific reports, and everyday conversations.