slight digression

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight digression" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to indicate that a short interruption or detour in a conversation or train of thought is taking place. For example: Before I answer your question, can I make a slight digression and talk about my hobby for a few minutes?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Excuse me, slight digression..."....

Independent

Here he offered a slight digression.

The New Yorker

Forgive the slight digression from women's football, to tell the tale of a remarkable woman and her quest to bring the national game to more women.

The Guardian - Sport

Allow me to set the scene via a slight digression, in the shape of the latest XF V8 with its also-new 5.0-litre, 510bhp engine.

Independent

A slight digression: The music business and the airline business is a phenomenal combination to deal with the Formula One business.

The New York Times - Sports

Before we get back to the catwalk, a slight digression, because I think it's interesting to note what McCartney, Philo and MacGibbon themselves wore to take their catwalk bows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Allow me a little digression.

The Guardian - Opinion

A little digression about the BBC.

The Guardian

It guarantees a strictly bounded response time and follows the target boundary with little digression.

BioMed Research International

But I digress (from my digression).

TechCrunch

He speaks English with a slight German accent, using phrases like "which means" or "which is to say" as bridges to enlightening digressions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the digression remains concise and directly related to the original subject to avoid losing focus.

Common error

Avoid using "slight digression" as a gateway to lengthy or irrelevant tangents. Keep the digression brief and ensure it enriches, rather than distracts from, your main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight digression" functions as a discourse marker, signaling to the audience that the speaker or writer is about to deviate briefly from the main topic. It prepares them for a related but not central point, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight digression" is a commonly used phrase to indicate a brief departure from a main topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the digression remains relevant and concise to avoid confusing or losing your audience. Alternatives include "brief tangent" and "short aside", offering similar nuances for signalling a momentary deviation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief tangent

Replaces "digression" with "tangent", emphasizing the deviation from the main subject.

small detour

Uses "detour" instead of "digression", highlighting the temporary nature of the diversion.

short aside

Employs "aside" to suggest a brief, related comment or observation.

quick detour

Substitutes "slight" with "quick" to emphasize the brief duration of the departure.

minor tangent

Replaces "slight" with "minor" to convey the limited impact of the digression.

small divergence

Uses "divergence" in place of "digression", focusing on the act of moving away from the central point.

brief departure

Employs "departure" to denote a temporary deviation from the main topic.

small digression

Uses "small" instead of "slight" to describe the degree of digression

a touch of divergence

Uses "a touch of divergence" instead of "slight digression" to soften the effect of digressing.

a small tangent

Uses "small tangent" instead of "slight digression" for slight change in meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "slight digression" in a sentence?

You can use "slight digression" to introduce a brief, related departure from your main topic. For example, "Before discussing the budget, allow me a "slight digression" to address recent market trends."

What's a good alternative to "slight digression"?

Alternatives include "brief tangent", "short aside", or "minor tangent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "slight digression"?

Use "slight digression" when you want to briefly deviate from the main subject to offer a relevant, clarifying, or enriching point without derailing the overall discussion.

How can I prevent a "slight digression" from becoming a major distraction?

Keep the digression brief, relevant, and clearly signal your return to the main topic afterward. Avoid introducing new, unrelated subtopics during the "slight digression".