little worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object that shows signs of wear or use, often implying it is slightly damaged or aged but still functional. Example: "The book was a little worn, with frayed edges and a faded cover, but the story inside was timeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"His coat appeared a little worn out".

The New York Times

Some just look a little worn.

The New York Times

I think the reading public is going to get a little worn out".

The New York Times - Books

The Yankees' starting pitching isn't very good, and Mariano is a little worn down.

The New Yorker

The princess style first was introduced in 1848 but was little worn until the 1860s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In one of my jokes, I say, 'I'm a little worn out from my day job.

The New York Times - Style

Beyond them, the four-storey apartment blocks look a little worn.

The Guardian

"No, I don't get tired of it," he said, sounding a little worn out.

The New York Times

The cabbies are once again driving too fast, the people on the subways look a little worn down.

The New Yorker

I thought I had been attentive to the needs of the flowers, but I was worried that Barbara would find them a little worn.

The New York Times

His tone is reminiscent of the way we feel after a long day at the office: a little fed up, a little worn down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an item, consider if "little worn" accurately conveys the level of wear. If the item is almost new, "slightly used" might be more appropriate. If the item is quite old but still usable, consider "timeworn".

Common error

Avoid using "little worn" when the item is severely damaged or unusable. "Heavily worn" or "dilapidated" would be more accurate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little worn" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a minor degree of wear or use. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little worn" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that exhibits minor signs of use or age. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "slightly used" or "showing some wear" exist, "little worn" offers a specific nuance, suggesting that the item isn't brand new but remains functional. When using this phrase, consider the specific degree of wear and avoid overstating the condition. Overall, it provides a useful descriptive term that writers can employ to add precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing some wear

A more explicit way of stating that something is "little worn".

slightly used

Indicates a minimal amount of usage, implying less wear than "little worn".

somewhat damaged

Focuses on the damage aspect, which may or may not be due to wear.

gently used

Implies careful handling and minimal wear.

a tad frayed

Specific to fabric or edges, indicating minor wear.

lightly weathered

Suggests exposure to the elements has caused slight wear.

slightly faded

Focuses on color loss as a sign of wear.

a bit tired

More often used for people but can describe things that appear worn out.

not brand new

Emphasizes that the item isn't in pristine condition.

a touch timeworn

Highlights the effects of time on the item.

FAQs

How can I use "little worn" in a sentence?

You can use "little worn" to describe something that shows minor signs of use or age. For example, "The book was "little worn", but still readable."

What is a good alternative to "little worn"?

Alternatives include "slightly used", "gently used", or "showing some wear", depending on the context.

What does "little worn" imply about the condition of something?

It suggests that the item has been used and shows some minor signs of wear and tear, but it is still functional and usable. It implies less damage than something that is described as "worn out".

Is there a difference between "slightly worn" and "little worn"?

While both phrases are similar, "slightly worn" might suggest an even lesser degree of wear than "little worn". The choice depends on the specific degree of wear you want to convey.