reverse slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reverse slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions to move something back a small distance or to indicate a minor adjustment in position. Example: "To align the picture frame properly, you may need to reverse slightly to the left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Towards the end of Mandela's incarceration through to the abolition of Apartheid fortunes did reverse slightly, but by now the disparity had grown so large that it barely made a dent.

The Economist

In quasi-physiological solutions, currents reverse slightly positive to 0 mV with a relatively linear I-V relationship (LJD and PC unpublished observations; Fig. 3d. See also Ref. 18).

Plosone

The loops connecting strand A to B and strand C to D in each blade are located on the reverse, slightly larger face of the propeller [ 31].

Cell Communication and Signaling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

During the boom years of the 90's, the trend reversed slightly among those in their 20's but held steady among those in their 30's.

The New York Times

A recent poll showed that trend reversing slightly, though his approval rating stands at just 40%; four out of five Palestinians are unhappy with the performance of the consensus government.

The Economist

The swing reversed slightly Thursday, dropping the price of the benchmark 10-year note and upping its yield 3 basis points, to 3.93%.

Forbes

Although the global trend seems to be reversing slightly, the job market situation in the German IT sector still looks bright: "A lot of job opportunities for university graduates are still out there," says Ansgar Bock of Compaq Germany.

Science Magazine

But Sandvine notes that trend is now reversing slightly, with BitTorrent's traffic share once again growing worldwide.

Vice

The combination of E2 with Fulv reversed slightly the effect of E2 alone.

BioMed Research International

In ACh the net current during the ramp exhibited marked inward rectification and reversed slightly negative to −80 mV.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Thereafter, however, the gender-based difference in presidential voting began to reverse, with women slightly more likely to favour the Democrat beginning in 1964.The gap grew noticeably wider in 1980, when Ronald Reagan won the election with greater support, by eight points, among men than women.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reverse slightly" when you need to indicate a small degree of backward movement or a minor change in a trend or direction. Ensure the context clearly specifies what is being reversed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "reverse slightly" can sound informal in some contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "marginally regress" or "incrementally decline" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Reverse slightly functions as a verb phrase, typically modifying another verb to indicate a minor degree of backward movement or change in direction. It indicates the extent to which something is being reversed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

59%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reverse slightly" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor backward movement or a small change in direction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for various contexts, but its register is generally neutral, making it more common in news and general writing than in highly formal or technical contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, modifying another verb to specify the degree of reversal. When choosing alternatives, consider the formality of your writing and select synonyms like "marginally regress" or "incrementally decline" for a more professional tone. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore these usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move back a little

Focuses on the physical movement in reverse by a small amount.

shift back slightly

Highlights a minor shift in position to the rear.

adjust backward marginally

Emphasizes a small backward adjustment or correction.

recede a fraction

Suggests a minimal amount of receding or drawing back.

backtrack a little

Indicates a minor reversal of a course or direction.

draw back marginally

Focuses on the action of drawing something back by a small degree.

fall back marginally

Highlights a slight decline or falling back from a position.

go into reverse briefly

Specifically refers to engaging reverse gear for a short time.

regress incrementally

Implies a slow and gradual regression or return to a previous state.

turn back a tad

Refers to reversing direction, but in an informal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "reverse slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "reverse slightly" to indicate a minor change in direction or trend. For example: "The trend had been declining, but recent data shows it "reverse slightly"."

What's a good alternative to "reverse slightly" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "marginally regress", "incrementally decline", or "modestly recede" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "reverse slightly"?

While grammatically correct, "reverse slightly" may not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing. Choose alternatives that match the formality level of your writing.

What does "reverse slightly" mean?

"Reverse slightly" means to go back or change direction in a minor or small way. It implies a small adjustment rather than a complete turnaround.