barely there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is present but not very noticeable or significant. Example: "The makeup she wore was so subtle that it gave her a barely there look, enhancing her natural beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

We're barely there.

The New York Times

At the moment, desserts are barely there.

The New York Times - Arts

It's so understated, it's barely there.

The Guardian - Film

Well, it looked basic — fresh-faced, barely there.

The New York Times

How to animate a personality that is barely there?

The New Yorker

'He was barely there, really,' says Linda Thompson.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Barely-There Singer.

The New York Times - Arts

The barely-there monochromatic result felt schoolgirlish.

The New York Times

Photographs don't do justice to his barely-there creations.

The Guardian - Arts

She's not famed for her risqué publicity stunts or her barely-there sartorial choices.

Independent

This eye-filling yet barely-there low-tech mirage makes all the others seem overwrought.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subtle or understated aesthetic, such as makeup or fashion, use "barely there" to effectively convey a sense of minimal application or presence.

Common error

While versatile, "barely there" can sound too casual for formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "minimal" or "scarcely present" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely there" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a minimal presence or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, describing items ranging from makeup to abstract concepts like chances or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely there" is a versatile adjective phrase used to denote minimal presence or significance. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for general use, it's essential to consider formality, opting for alternatives like "scarcely present" in professional settings. Its strength lies in effectively conveying subtlety and understatement, as highlighted by numerous examples of Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely present

Emphasizes the limited existence or visibility of something.

almost imperceptible

Highlights the difficulty in noticing or detecting something.

faintly discernible

Focuses on the subtle nature and slight distinguishability of something.

virtually nonexistent

Suggests that something is so minimal it's close to not existing.

hardly noticeable

Stresses the lack of prominence or visibility.

minimally present

Highlights the extremely small amount or degree of presence.

subtly apparent

Indicates that something is noticeable only upon close inspection.

scarcely detectable

Implies difficulty in sensing or identifying something.

thinly veiled

Suggests that something is very lightly covered or concealed.

inconspicuously evident

Focuses on the unassertive and easily overlooked nature of something apparent.

FAQs

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

You can use "barely there" to describe something that is present but not very noticeable or significant. For example, "The makeup she wore gave her a "barely there" look, enhancing her natural beauty."

What can I say instead of "barely there"?

You can use alternatives like "scarcely present", "almost imperceptible", or "faintly discernible" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "barely there makeup"?

Yes, "barely there makeup" is a common and accepted phrase to describe a very natural and light makeup style.

What is the difference between "almost there" and "barely there"?

"Almost there" indicates nearing a destination or goal, while "barely there" indicates a minimal presence or degree. They are used in entirely different contexts.