slight

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when an action, difference, or change is small or almost unnoticeable. Example: I noticed a slight change in her behavior after her argument with her parents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason for this conflict, Schelling explained, was that not wearing a helmet conferred a slight advantage on the ice; crucially, it gave the player better peripheral vision, and it also made him look fearless.

The Economist

It's not quite the slight faced by the younger Grieve, but it rings a bell.

The Guardian

Today at lunch retired US ambassador Frances Cook, who we knew in 1972 when she served in the consulate in Sydney, apologised for slight bruises under her eyes: she and everyone in politics, she explains, have plastic surgery – navy secretaries, congressmen, senators take cosmetic-surgery holidays in Thailand or South Africa.

The Guardian

Coleman, however, dismissed Tardelli's comments, described Bale's attitude as "magnificent" and made it clear the only reason the 24-year-old will not line up against Ireland is because it is "too much of a risk" to play him when he is carrying a slight foot injury.

The Guardian - Sport

"This has resulted in a slight impact on waiting times, but we continue to admit, treat and discharge more than nine out of 10 patients within four hours".

The Guardian

But the Germans quickly pulled back a goal through Morlock, after Rahn had played Hans Schaefer's leftwing cross into the goalmouth, where it took a slight deflection off Hungary's right-half, Jozef Bozsik.

The Guardian

The Times, and the Daily Mail via the Times, inform us in no uncertain terms that the Issue of the Week is the slight change that has been made to the new cover of Jilly Cooper's Riders.

The Guardian - Books

Similarly, labour costs suggest a slight levelling off in our competitiveness.

The Guardian - Business

Bake for 30 minutes, until the milk has set but still has a slight wobble in the middle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But those other roles had been slight affairs, and in M, he was the closest thing to being the movie's star.

The Guardian - Film

UK use has stayed remarkably steady too, according to the data which shows a slight rise over time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight", consider the context and choose a more precise synonym if a specific nuance is needed, such as "subtle" for barely perceptible changes or "minimal" for very small quantities.

Common error

Avoid relying on "slight" as a generic descriptor. Replace it with more descriptive alternatives to add detail and clarity to your writing. For example, instead of a "slight breeze", specify a "gentle breeze" or a "faint whisper of wind".

Linguistic Context

"Slight" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a small degree or extent. Ludwig examples show it describing changes, injuries, and physical characteristics. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English to describe an action, difference, or change that is small or almost unnoticeable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight" is a versatile adjective used to indicate something small in degree or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to describe actions, differences, or changes that are barely noticeable. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When writing, remember to consider if a more precise synonym would enhance clarity and avoid overusing "slight" as a generic descriptor. Related phrases include "minor", "negligible", and "subtle", each offering nuanced variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately incorporate the word "slight" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor

Indicates a small degree or extent, similar to "slight" but perhaps more general.

minimal

Highlights the extremely small quantity or degree of something, stressing the lower limit.

negligible

Emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of something, suggesting it can be safely disregarded, more dismissive than "slight".

subtle

Focuses on the delicate or understated nature of something, often implying it is not immediately obvious.

modest

Indicates a moderate or limited amount, suggesting it is neither excessive nor deficient.

inconsequential

Stresses the lack of importance or relevance, suggesting it has no significant effect.

marginal

Suggests something is at the edge or barely within a certain limit, emphasizing its precariousness.

small

A general term indicating reduced size or amount, less nuanced than "slight".

faint

Implies something is barely perceptible or discernible, often referring to sensory experiences.

limited

Highlights the restricted or confined nature of something, emphasizing its boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "slight" in a sentence?

You can use "slight" to describe something small in degree or extent, such as "There was a slight increase in sales this quarter" or "She has a slight accent".

What words can I use instead of "slight"?

Alternatives to "slight" include "minor", "negligible", "minimal", or "subtle" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a slight bit"?

While understandable, "a slight bit" can sound redundant. Consider using "slightly" or replacing "bit" with a more specific noun. For example, use "a slight increase" instead of "a slight bit of increase".

What's the difference between "slight" and "small"?

"Slight" often implies a barely noticeable difference or degree, while "small" is a more general term for size or amount. A "slight improvement" suggests a marginal enhancement, whereas a "small car" indicates physical dimensions.