even the slightest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'even the slightest' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize how small an amount or degree something is. For example, "He did not show even the slightest hint of happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Is there even the slightest chance he can do it?

The New York Times - Sports

Does he have even the slightest inkling?

The Economist

But that didn't dull the glow even the slightest.

The New York Times

York tries to avoid even the slightest hint of impropriety.

The New York Times

They did not show even the slightest disrespect.

The New York Times

"Keith wouldn't have had even the slightest suspicion".

The New Yorker

Others were oddly simple, lacking even the slightest degree of depth.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even the slightest past infringement leads to the highest category of penalty.

The Economist

The need to prevent even the slightest contamination of the lake is acute.

The New York Times

Even the slightest acknowledgement of the camera is lucky.

WikiHow

Nor did they have even the slightest sense of entitlement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even the slightest", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the minimal amount is referring to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

While "even the slightest" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated synonyms like "the most negligible" or "the barest minimum" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even the slightest" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the minimal degree or amount of something. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to highlight the lack of something or the minimal impact of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even the slightest" is a powerful tool for emphasizing minimal quantities or degrees, frequently used across diverse contexts from news to scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile usage. While its most common application lies in news and media, it is also prevalent in wikis and scientific documents. To avoid overuse in more formal settings, consider synonyms such as "the barest minimum" or "the most negligible". Remember that including "even" intensifies the meaning, and it underscores the minimal degree involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the least bit

Replaces "even the slightest" with a shorter, more informal phrase indicating a minimal amount.

the smallest degree

Emphasizes the minimal level of something, similar to "even the slightest".

the merest hint

Focuses on the subtlest indication or sign, similar to a very small amount.

the faintest trace

Highlights how little of something is present, close to "even the slightest".

any minimal amount

Directly indicates a very small quantity, serving as a synonym.

the barest minimum

Suggests the lowest possible acceptable level, similar to a slight amount.

not at all

Emphasizes a complete absence, contrasting with the presence of even a small amount.

to no extent

Indicates a lack of something, similar to not even a little.

the most negligible

Focuses on how insignificant something is, linking to a very slight quantity.

virtually none

Suggests a very small amount that is almost non-existent.

FAQs

How can I use "even the slightest" in a sentence?

You can use "even the slightest" to emphasize how small or minimal something is. For example, "He didn't show "the least bit" of remorse", or "the smallest degree of error can cause significant problems".

What are some alternatives to "even the slightest"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""the least bit"", "the faintest trace", or "the merest hint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "even" before "the slightest"?

While you can omit "even", including it adds emphasis. "The slightest" is grammatically correct, but "even the slightest" underscores the minimal degree involved.

What's the difference between "even the slightest" and "not at all"?

"Even the slightest" implies a minimal presence of something, whereas "not at all" indicates a complete absence. They are opposites in meaning.