is very slim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very slim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small chance of occurring or a low probability. Example: "The chance of winning the lottery is very slim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"But the possibility is very slim".

The New York Times

First, Princeton's margin of error this year is very slim.

Princeton University

But on the other side, technical capacity is very slim.

Cornell University

And the motive for the crime is very slim.

The New York Times

"Our margin for error is very slim," Battier said.

The New York Times

But that slice of the demographic pie is very slim and very urban.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Black is always a great dress color, because it is very slimming.

WikiHow

"I am very slim.

The New York Times - Sports

"And they are very slim".

The New York Times - Sports

"However, the profit margins were very slim.

The New York Times

She's very slim and slender.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very slim" when you want to downplay the likelihood of something happening or to describe something with a small margin for error.

Common error

Avoid using "is very slim" when the situation is definitively impossible. It implies some slight chance, so choose stronger phrasing like "is impossible" or "has no chance" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very slim" functions primarily as a qualifier, modifying a noun (often "chance", "possibility", or "likelihood") to indicate a low degree of probability or a small size. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very slim" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a low probability or a small margin. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this usage. It appears frequently in news, academic, and general writing, serving to convey doubt or manage expectations. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "is highly improbable" in certain situations. Be mindful not to use it when something is definitively impossible, as it implies a slight chance still exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite unlikely

Emphasizes improbability using "quite unlikely" instead of "very slim".

is extremely unlikely

Similar to "is quite unlikely" but with a stronger emphasis using "extremely".

is a remote possibility

Emphasizes the distance or unlikelihood of the event.

is highly improbable

Replaces "very slim" with a more formal "highly improbable".

is virtually nonexistent

Indicates the chance is so small it's almost not there.

is barely possible

Focuses on the possibility aspect, indicating it's only just achievable.

is a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a low chance of success.

is negligible

Focuses on the insignificance or smallness of the chance.

is a faint hope

Highlights the weakness of the hope or expectation.

is a shadow of a chance

Uses metaphorical language to describe a very small chance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is very slim" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "is highly improbable" or "is quite unlikely". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

What does it mean when someone says the chance "is very slim"?

When someone says the chance "is very slim", it means that the likelihood of a particular event occurring is quite low. It suggests that while not entirely impossible, the odds are significantly against it happening.

Is it always appropriate to use "is very slim" in writing?

While "is very slim" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In more formal or technical writing, phrases like "is highly improbable" or "is negligible" might be more suitable. In casual conversation, it is perfectly fine.

What's the difference between saying something "is very slim" and saying it "is impossible"?

Saying something "is very slim" implies there is a small, albeit unlikely, chance of it happening. Saying something "is impossible" indicates that there is absolutely no chance of it occurring. "Is very slim" leaves a sliver of possibility, whereas "is impossible" closes the door completely.