mildly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mildly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not very intense or exaggerated. For example: "She reacted mildly to the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is putting it mildly.

The New York Times

And that's putting it mildly.

The New York Times

The myth that the budget deficit was caused by Labour "overspending" has become such a "fact" in the minds of the public that Ed Miliband was greeted with incredulous abuse by the studio audience when he tried, very mildly, to put the record straight.

The Guardian

When Wang says mildly he wanted to do knitwear, note that what this meant on the catwalk was a patent leather coat embossed to give a trompe l'oeil cable-knit effect, a modern take on chainmail, and Gisele Bündchen closing the show in a round-shouldered sweater with a necklace of crystals knitted into its structure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With many of the same heads of government gathering for the G8 summit in Northern Ireland, the story was, to put it mildly, sensational.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Cameron and Obama talks on Libya will be mildly less friendly.

The Guardian

On good days, I find it mildly pleasant, but there has always been something missing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

David Mitchell, the perpetually mildly annoyed UK comedian and writer, thinks about a perpetual furniture company that won't squander resources by making cheap furniture from "MDF and hope".

The Guardian

Even at Pannington Hall, where apart from Day virtually no sign of human life is apparent across the mildly undulating fields, simple closure is not an option.

The Guardian

The royal pomp was mildly disturbed as demonstrators, human rights activists and the families of Britons tortured in Saudi prisons objected to the visit.

The Guardian

Even as Cameron talks of "one nation" it's painfully clear that there is barely a single Westminster plan that Scotland will be even mildly keen on, apart from beefing up the Smith Commission and getting on with the job of promoting ever more distant union.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mildly" to soften potentially harsh or strong statements, making your writing more nuanced and tactful.

Common error

Avoid using "mildly" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound too casual. Consider stronger, more precise adverbs like "moderately" or "somewhat" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "mildly" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating a moderate or gentle degree of the action, quality, or manner being described. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mildly" is a versatile adverb used to express a moderate degree or gentle manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for most situations, it's important to consider the tone and formality of your writing, opting for more precise alternatives like "slightly" or "somewhat" in highly formal settings. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "mildly" to add nuance and tact to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the potential for stronger adverbs depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly

Indicates a small degree or extent, similar to "mildly" but more direct.

somewhat

Implies a moderate degree, closely aligned with the meaning of "mildly".

moderately

Suggests a balanced or average degree, akin to "mildly" in intensity.

to a certain extent

Indicates a partial agreement or effect, similar to experiencing something "mildly".

a little

Denotes a small quantity or degree, comparable to a "mildly" noticeable effect.

relatively

Highlights a comparison, suggesting something is "mildly" in relation to something else.

kind of

Informal way to express a slight or moderate degree, similar to "mildly".

in a way

Suggests a limited or partial perspective, similar to experiencing something "mildly".

rather

Implies a degree that is noticeable but not extreme, similar to "mildly".

slightly but noticeably

Emphasizes a small but perceptible change or effect, more descriptive than "mildly".

FAQs

How can I use "mildly" in a sentence?

"Mildly" is used to describe something that is moderate or not extreme. For instance, "I was "mildly surprised" by the news", or "The soup was "mildly spiced"".

What are some synonyms for "mildly"?

Alternatives to "mildly" include "slightly", "somewhat", and "moderately". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mildly" in formal writing?

While "mildly" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, more precise adverbs might be preferable, but "mildly" is suitable for most neutral situations.

What is the difference between "mildly" and "slightly"?

Both "mildly" and "slightly" indicate a small degree, but "mildly" often implies a sense of gentleness or lack of intensity, while "slightly" is more neutral and can refer to any small difference.