is hardly noticeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is hardly noticeable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to see or perceive, often in contexts where subtlety or minimal impact is being discussed. Example: "The change in color is hardly noticeable, making it a perfect choice for a subtle update to the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Even his Star in the Hood T-shirt logo is hardly noticeable under his jacket.

Independent

Indeed, crossing the border at Moyale it is hardly noticeable at all.

The Economist

The chirp of a single Magicicada septendecim, a type of cicada, is hardly noticeable.

The New Yorker

For leisurely mousers, the upgrade from an 8- to a 12-bit report rate is hardly noticeable.

The New York Times - Tech

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The chirp of a single Magicicada septendecim, a type of cicada, is hardly noticeable.

The New Yorker

Yet because the updating is hardly noticeable until the third act, when references to Italian nationalism occur, they strike one as gratuitous, even frivolous.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The tannins are hardly noticeable.

The New York Times

Microsoft says Google's efforts are hardly noticeable.

The New York Times - Tech

The rash, which turned out to be shingles, or herpes zoster, was hardly noticeable.

The New York Times

This adds a bit more weight to the headset, but it's hardly noticeable.

The New York Times

Scott Carson's absence through injury in recent weeks had been hardly noticeable until the 37th minute on Thursday night.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is hardly noticeable" when you want to downplay the significance or impact of something. It's effective for creating a sense of subtlety or minimal change.

Common error

Avoid using "is hardly noticeable" when something is completely imperceptible. This phrase implies a minimal degree of presence, not total absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is hardly noticeable" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its degree of visibility or prominence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is hardly noticeable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something subtle or of minimal impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a predicate adjective with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While subtle, it should not be used to indicate complete absence. Consider alternatives like "is barely detectable" or "is almost imperceptible" for similar but nuanced meanings. Its high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its reliability in expressing subtlety and understatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost imperceptible

Highlights that something is close to being undetectable.

is virtually unnoticeable

Emphasizes the near impossibility of noticing something.

is scarcely perceptible

Emphasizes the minimal degree to which something can be detected.

is barely detectable

Highlights the difficulty in identifying or noticing something.

is marginally detectable

Something can be detected but only just.

is faintly discernible

Indicates that something can be distinguished, but only with effort.

is faintly visible

Indicates something can barely be seen.

is subtly apparent

Suggests that something is noticeable in a delicate or understated way.

is mildly apparent

Indicates something is noticeable but not very significant.

is negligibly significant

Focuses on the lack of importance or consequence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is hardly noticeable" in a sentence?

Use "is hardly noticeable" to describe something subtle or difficult to perceive. For example: "The difference in taste "is hardly noticeable" between the two brands."

What are some alternatives to "is hardly noticeable"?

Alternatives include "is barely detectable", "is almost imperceptible", or "is scarcely perceptible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is hardly noticeable" or "is not noticeable"?

"Is hardly noticeable" implies a minimal presence or effect, whereas "is not noticeable" suggests complete absence. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "is hardly noticeable" and "is easily overlooked"?

"Is hardly noticeable" focuses on the difficulty in perceiving something, while "is easily overlooked" suggests that something is not given enough attention, even if it is perceptible.