slice of selfishness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slice of selfishness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small portion or instance of selfish behavior or thought. Example: "Even the most generous people can have a slice of selfishness when it comes to their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A little slice of selfishness".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't rush people, cut in line, or perform other acts of selfishness.

WikiHow

I'm tired of selfishness.

The New York Times - Books

Apostle of liberty or avatar of selfishness?

The New York Times - Magazine

Batting has an inherent element of selfishness.

The New York Times - Sports

Those are good parameters of selfishness.

The Guardian

I hate that kind of selfishness in women.

The New Yorker

Southern advocates of "solidarity" accuse northerners of selfishness.

The Economist

Instead, the union is full of "selfishness and suspicion".

The Economist

Fantastic booms like ours create new forces of selfishness.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Everything about the celebration of selfishness was just anathema".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slice of selfishness" to describe a small, isolated instance of self-centered behavior rather than a defining characteristic. This nuance helps to avoid overly harsh judgments.

Common error

Avoid using "slice of selfishness" to broadly label someone's personality. It's more accurate to describe a specific action or decision as a "slice of selfishness" rather than attributing it as a fixed trait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of selfishness" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is used to denote a small instance or portion of selfish behavior. For example: "A little slice of selfishness."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slice of selfishness" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a small instance of self-centered behavior. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English. While relatively rare, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, media, and wikis. It is often used to acknowledge selfishness without necessarily condemning it entirely, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using the phrase, consider its purpose to avoid overgeneralizing an individual's behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of self-centeredness

Directly replaces "selfishness" with a synonym, maintaining a similar negative connotation.

a touch of egoism

Replaces "selfishness" with "egoism", highlighting the focus on oneself and one's own importance.

a small act of self-preference

Highlights the act of prioritizing oneself, focusing on the action rather than the overall character.

a hint of self-interest

Substitutes "selfishness" with "self-interest", softening the negative connotation and emphasizing personal gain.

a dash of egotism

Similar to "egoism" but suggests a smaller, less pervasive amount of self-centeredness.

a degree of self-regard

Emphasizes the consideration for oneself, potentially implying a healthy level of self-respect rather than outright selfishness.

a moment of self-absorption

Focuses on the temporary state of being preoccupied with oneself, rather than a general trait.

a particle of ego

Uses "ego" to convey a small instance of self-importance, similar to "egoism" but in smaller quantity.

a shade of avarice

Suggests a slight amount of greed or desire for material gain, a specific form of selfishness.

a soupçon of greed

Emphasizes a slight amount of greed or excessive desire, narrowing the focus of selfishness.

FAQs

How can I use "slice of selfishness" in a sentence?

You can use "slice of selfishness" to describe a small instance of self-centered behavior, for example: "Even in her generosity, there was a "slice of selfishness" when she insisted on choosing the restaurant."

What are some alternatives to "slice of selfishness"?

Alternatives include "a touch of egoism", "a hint of self-interest", or "a bit of self-centeredness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "slice of selfishness"?

While "selfishness" generally has negative connotations, using "slice of selfishness" can sometimes imply a minor or understandable instance of prioritizing oneself. The context is important.

What's the difference between "slice of selfishness" and "act of selfishness"?

While similar, ""slice of selfishness"" suggests a smaller, less impactful instance, while "act of selfishness" can refer to a more significant or deliberate action.