like a slight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a slight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something which is perceived as small, soft, or subtle. For example, "The breeze felt like a slight caress against her skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Also out are italics Scalia uses to imagine how some future judge might edit a decision he doesn't like — a slight pity in the case of Windsor, as it excludes such phrases as "enjoying constitutionally protected sexual relationships".

The New Yorker

It seemed like a slight beatup.

The Guardian

On a few small points the novel fails to track, like a slight stutter.

The New York Times - Books

It's like a slight change of breeze, shifting the mood and the weather.

The Guardian - Arts

People know what he looks like: a slight, reserved man, now going gray, with an intense, serious expression.

The New York Times - Books

That sort of silliness feels like a slight to the more substantial world-­building Gaiman has achieved.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I like keeping a slight distance," he said.

The New York Times

Just like with the implicit octanol solvation, conformations of some ligands became more crystal-like, but a slight majority of ligands suffered from an increase in the best achievable RMSD value.

Journal of Cheminformatics

At Waterstone's, like-for-like sales showed a slight decline of 0.4%.

The Guardian - Business

Standing amid all this, beaming, like a slighter, slimmer version of Phiz's drawings of the Cheeryble brothers in Nicholas Nickleby, Blake is enthusiastically precise about the exact make of his crayons, the quality of paper, yet hesitant about his own new work.

The Guardian - Books

"It seems like only a slight distraction; it's so easy to use; and you can do so much with it, it almost seems like a crime not to use it in the car".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like a slight" to describe an abstract concept, ensure the comparison clarifies the subtlety or small degree you intend to convey. For example, "The change in policy felt like a slight shift in priorities."

Common error

Avoid using "like a slight" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise term might be available. Opt for more specific adjectives (e.g. 'minor', 'subtle') to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a slight" functions primarily as a qualifier, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a similarity to something of a small degree or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like a slight" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a similarity to something of a small degree or subtle nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's advisable to use more precise terms in formal or technical contexts. The phrase appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for expressing nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to a small

Replaces 'slight' with 'small', focusing on size as the primary attribute.

akin to a minor

Substitutes 'slight' with 'minor', emphasizing the insignificance of the comparison.

resembling a subtle

Uses 'resembling' to convey similarity and 'subtle' to highlight the delicate nature of the comparison.

comparable to a gentle

Employs 'comparable' to indicate a likeness and 'gentle' to suggest a soft or mild quality.

much like a faint

Replaces 'slight' with 'faint', implying a weak or barely perceptible resemblance.

analogous to a trace

Uses 'analogous' to denote a parallel and 'trace' to express a minimal amount or degree.

akin to a hint of

Uses 'akin to' meaning similar to, and 'hint of' expressing a very small amount of something.

reminiscent of a touch

Substitutes 'like a slight' for 'reminiscent of a touch', emphasizing a minimal impact.

evocative of a whisper

Uses 'evocative' to suggest a subtle resemblance, comparing to 'a whisper' for its quiet nature.

comparable to a shade

Uses 'shade' to imply a very small degree of difference or variation.

FAQs

How can I use "like a slight" in a sentence?

You can use "like a slight" to describe something that resembles a small degree or subtle amount of something. For instance, "The pressure felt "like a slight" weight on my chest."

What can I say instead of "like a slight"?

You can use alternatives such as "similar to a small", "akin to a minor", or "resembling a subtle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "like a slight" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "like a slight" might be perceived as less precise in formal writing. Consider using more direct adjectives like "minor", "subtle", or "minimal" for clarity. It's depend on the context and what your goal is.

What is the difference between "like a slight" and "like a small"?

While both phrases indicate similarity to something of a limited nature, "like a slight" emphasizes subtlety or gentleness, whereas "like a small" primarily focuses on physical size or quantity.