slide slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slide slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or gentle movement in a sideways direction. Example: "To adjust the picture frame, you need to slide slightly to the left."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 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 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

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

Your right foot should slide slightly to what is now your right, and it should be further from your target than your left foot.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Economist

As a result, French share prices moved steadily upward in April, reaching a record high April 20, before sliding slightly.

The New York Times

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

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

CATENA

However, occupancy slid slightly to 82.9percentnt, meaning that revenue per available room (revpar), an industry measure, declined by 0.3percentntoto £86.04.

The 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slide slightly" when describing a minor adjustment or movement that involves a smooth, gliding motion. This phrase is appropriate for technical descriptions, instructions, and narrative contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "slide slightly" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "move a bit" or "shift a little" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slide slightly" functions as a verb phrase, where "slide" is the verb and "slightly" is an adverb modifying the verb. It describes a minor sliding movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slide slightly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor sliding movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in writing. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in neutral to slightly formal contexts such as technical descriptions, news reports, and instructional guides. For more casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferred. The phrase appears in sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, indicating its acceptance in both journalistic and academic writing. Remember to use "slide slightly" when you want to precisely describe a small, smooth movement, but consider the audience and context to determine if a more informal alternative would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift slightly

Emphasizes a small change in position, similar to sliding.

move a little

Focuses on the general action of moving, less specific about the type of movement.

glide gently

Suggests a smooth and effortless sliding motion.

slip a bit

Indicates an unintended or uncontrolled small slide.

budge slightly

Implies a minimal movement, often against resistance.

edge slowly

Highlights a gradual and cautious movement.

inch forward

Focuses on a very small movement in a forward direction.

veer gently

Suggests a slight change in direction while moving.

nudge a tad

Implies a small and deliberate push or movement.

skim lightly

Describes a superficial contact during a sliding motion.

FAQs

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

You can use "slide slightly" to describe a small, smooth movement. For example, "The gecko's toe must "slide slightly" on the surface to maintain grip."

What are some alternatives to "slide slightly"?

Alternatives include "shift slightly", "move a little", or "glide gently", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "slide slightly"?

While grammatically correct, "slide slightly" might sound too formal in very casual situations. In those cases, consider using more informal alternatives like "move a bit".

What is the difference between "slide slightly" and "slip slightly"?

"Slide slightly" implies a controlled movement, whereas "slip slightly" suggests an unintentional or uncontrolled movement.