mention lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"mention lightly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: I mentioned the issue lightly, hoping it wouldn't cause any conflict.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our reliability assessments don't mention problems lightly," said Ellen Vancko, a spokeswoman for the group, created after the 1965 blackout to prevent such calamities.

The New York Times

Only mention it lightly and do not talk about it too much or be too pushy about the suggestion.

WikiHow

I always mentioned it lightly, hoping she'd laugh.

The New York Times

I watched once as a crafty journalist, seeking his confidence, lightly mentioned that he had played rugby with Ollie Campbell.

The Guardian - Books

To counter that idea, the master littered his evidence with vignetttes from his diary to remind us that this was all a sideshow, while the real world seized most of his attention: the foundation hospitals vote in the Commons, the Olympic bid, a weekend of foreign heads of state, a 36-hour round-the-world trip - lightly mentioned in passing.

The Guardian

Of all the new releases, District 9 wears its politics most lightly, making no mention of apartheid or its legacy in today's impoverished black townships.

The Guardian - Film

I can't recall exactly what the ad said, but I remember it mentioned that the car was "lightly used," with no power anything (who needed frills?) and in our price range at about $6,000.

The New York Times

One way to reply, the way the president chose, was to treat the question lightly by first mentioning the leather jacket he receives as the current guest of honor of that magnificent airplane.

Forbes

You've mentioned that you like to "lightly art direct" your readings.

Huffington Post

Mr. de la Rionda also treaded lightly over witness testimony, mentioning that different people gave differing accounts of who was on top during the struggle.

The New York Times

Reggie wore his MC lightly, and would only ever mention this skirmish in tones of self-disparagement, as "that foolhardy escapade".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mention lightly", ensure the context aligns with your intention to introduce a topic subtly or without heavy emphasis. This approach is best suited for scenarios where you want to avoid dwelling on a particular subject.

Common error

Avoid using "mention lightly" in formal or academic writing where a more direct and thorough discussion is expected. In such settings, a more detailed analysis might be necessary, making a light mention inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mention lightly" functions as a verb phrase, where "mention" serves as the verb and "lightly" as the adverb modifying the verb. It describes the manner in which something is brought up or referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mention lightly" serves to describe introducing a topic in an understated or subtle way. Despite its grammatical correctness, its relatively low frequency suggests it's a niche expression. Ludwig AI affirms it as a valid English construction. Consider context and purpose when choosing to "mention lightly", balancing subtlety with the need for clarity and thoroughness. Given its somewhat limited usage, alternative phrases might be more appropriate in certain scenarios, such as "note in passing" or "refer to casually".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

note in passing

Highlights that the mention is incidental and not a primary focus.

touch upon briefly

Focuses on a brief treatment of the topic, emphasizing conciseness.

bring up subtly

Highlights the understated and tactful way of introducing the topic.

allude to gently

Highlights the indirect and subtle nature of the mention.

raise gently

Emphasizes the careful and considerate manner of introducing the topic.

hint at delicately

Focuses on the subtle and nuanced nature of the suggestion or reference.

refer to casually

Emphasizes the informal and nonchalant manner of the reference.

broach gingerly

Suggests a cautious approach to introducing a sensitive or delicate subject.

glance at briefly

Suggests a quick and superficial examination or reference.

address peripherally

Indicates that the topic is discussed in a way that is not central to the main subject.

FAQs

How can I use "mention lightly" in a sentence?

You can use "mention lightly" to indicate a brief or subtle reference to a topic. For example, "I "noted it in passing"", or "He "touched upon it briefly"".

What does "mention lightly" mean?

"Mention lightly" means to bring something up in a subtle, brief, or non-emphatic way, often to avoid dwelling on the subject or causing discomfort.

What are some alternatives to "mention lightly"?

Alternatives include "refer to casually", "glance at briefly", or "allude to gently" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "mention lightly" a sensitive topic?

While "mention lightly" can be useful for introducing sensitive topics without causing immediate discomfort, consider your audience and the potential impact. Sometimes a more direct approach is necessary, while other times it's best to "broach gingerly".