slid slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slid slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or subtle movement in a particular direction, often in a physical context. Example: "The book slid slightly off the edge of the table, almost falling to the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The share price of Lloyds slid slightly after YouGov's poll was released.

The Economist

Earnhardt's car slid slightly, then bounced into a car driven by Ken Schrader.

The New York Times - Sports

With three laps left after catching up a little, however, Alonso slid slightly off the track, before getting the car back under control.

The New York Times - Sports

Its ratings have slid slightly from its peaks at the height of the Gorilla scandal, but it is still hoping to win a parliamentary majority.

The Economist

The damage was so severe that the elevator shafts and building itself had slid slightly, the engineer, Lewis L. Zickel, said.

The New York Times

Stock markets slid slightly lower on Wednesday, undoing early gains as investors worried that rising interest rates on government bonds and home mortgages could impair the broader economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Republicans believe the younger share of the electorate will slide slightly, and that Obama will win fewer of those voters anyway.

The New York Times

The four stages of the land-sliding mechanism (compaction, gradual sliding, slightly faster sliding, and rapid sliding) could be determined from the tests.

CATENA

Much like shifting sand, magnetic fields slide slightly over time, and their strength also increases as one moves away from the equator, akin to latitude.

Science Magazine

The results reveal why the gecko's toe must slide slightly on the target surface when it makes contact on a surface and suggest how a biomimetic gecko foot might be designed.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

Until then, he's sliding slightly less aggressively.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing small shifts or movements, use "slid slightly" to convey precision and subtlety. This phrase works well in both literal and figurative contexts to indicate a minor change.

Common error

While "slid slightly" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "shifted a little" or "moved marginally" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slid slightly" primarily functions as a verb phrase modifying an action, indicating a small degree of movement. Ludwig AI validates this through examples where objects or abstract concepts experience a minor shift. This contrasts with significant relocation, offering a nuanced description.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slid slightly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a minor degree of movement or change. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the analysis reveals that its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news media and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, options like "moved a bit" or "shifted a little" can provide similar meanings. While the register remains neutral, varying the language and avoiding overusing "slid slightly" will improve writing, especially in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved a bit

Indicates a small degree of movement, replacing "slid" with a more general verb.

shifted a little

Suggests a minor change in position, using "shifted" instead of "slid".

slipped a fraction

Replaces "slid" with "slipped", emphasizing a smooth, unintentional movement.

edged imperceptibly

Conveys a very slight and gradual movement, replacing both "slid" and "slightly" with more descriptive words.

inched marginally

Indicates a minimal advance, swapping "slid" and "slightly" for "inched" and "marginally".

sank gradually

Describes a slow descent, which is one type of sliding motion.

declined marginally

Used when the subject is ratings, numbers or abstract nouns, changing the context to a downward trend.

decreased incrementally

Indicates a small reduction, typically in numerical contexts.

descended gradually

Signifies a slow and continuous downward movement.

tilted gently

Indicates a soft, smooth inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "slid slightly" to describe a minor movement or change in position. For example, "The book "slid slightly" off the table" or "Her rating "slid slightly" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "slid slightly"?

Alternatives include "moved a bit", "shifted a little", or "edged imperceptibly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "slid slightly"?

Yes, "slid slightly" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a small movement or change in position. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

What's the difference between "slid slightly" and "slid a lot"?

"Slid slightly" indicates a small or subtle movement, while "slid a lot" implies a more significant and noticeable movement. The choice depends on the degree of motion you want to emphasize.