slight ease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight ease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of comfort or relief in a situation. Example: "After a long day at work, I felt a slight ease as I sank into my favorite chair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The official purchasing managers' index pointed to a slight ease in inflationary pressures, with the input price subindex edging down to 56.6 last month from 57.2 in August.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Local administrations will enjoy a slight easing of restrictions on their spending.

The Economist

Many protesters blame today's plunging prices on a slight easing of quota ceilings last year and this.

The Economist

Now, because of a slight easing of the rules last week, prepubescent schoolgirls will be allowed to wear colors to school.

The New York Times

Although he noted that Israel announced a slight easing of the blockade this week, Mr. Ban said a "fundamental change" was needed in its Gaza policy.

The New York Times

But NIESR's latest forecast on the economy suggested a slight easing in growth to 0.7% in the three months to the end of October.

Independent

They went through the ritual handshake at the net, the winner's smile no more convincing than the loser's slight easing of pursed lips.

The Guardian - Sport

The International Monetary Fund recently predicted a slight easing in global growth next year while warning that the downturn in mortgage markets could spawn wider troubles.

The New York Times

The BoE is firmly in wait and see mode, but there does appear to be a slight easing bias in place.

The Guardian - Business

The cut on Tuesday undid some of the earlier tightening and followed a slight easing in monetary conditions this year, when the central bank lowered the cash reserve ratio for banks, freeing up more money for lending.

The New York Times

On Thursday night Barack Obama stated that a slight easing on sanctions may be possible, but Congress, where the Israeli lobby is influential, is in the process of introducing even tougher punitive measures.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight ease" to describe a minor reduction in pressure, tension, or difficulty. It's most effective when conveying a subtle shift rather than a dramatic change.

Common error

Avoid using "slight ease" to describe situations where the relief or improvement is substantial. This diminishes the impact of your writing and misrepresents the true extent of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight ease" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a minor reduction or alleviation of pressure, tension, or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight ease" is a common phrase used to describe a minor reduction in tension, pressure, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey a subtle improvement or lessening. Alternatives such as "minor relief" or "small comfort" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "slight ease", ensure that the described change is indeed minor to maintain accuracy and avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor relief

Focuses on the alleviation aspect, emphasizing the reduction of burden or discomfort more directly.

small comfort

Highlights the aspect of solace or consolation, suggesting a minimal degree of emotional comfort.

mild alleviation

Emphasizes the reduction of something negative, such as pain or pressure, with a focus on gentleness.

gentle lessening

Suggests a gradual and subtle reduction in intensity or severity.

marginal improvement

Highlights the progress aspect, indicating a small but positive change from a previous state.

modest reduction

Focuses on the decrease in quantity or intensity, indicating it's not a significant change.

limited relaxation

Emphasizes the state of being less tense or strict, but within a certain boundary.

partial mitigation

Suggests that something negative is partially reduced or offset, but not entirely eliminated.

subtle downturn

Focuses on a small decrease in activity or trend, often used in economic or statistical contexts.

tiny abatement

Emphasizes a minimal decrease in something undesirable, such as pollution or nuisance.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight ease" to describe a minor reduction in tension, pressure, or discomfort. For example: "The new policy brought a "slight ease" to the bureaucratic process."

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

Alternatives include "minor relief", "small comfort", or "mild alleviation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slight ease" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "slight ease" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reporting and analytical contexts. However, consider more precise language if technical accuracy is paramount.

How does "slight ease" differ from "significant improvement"?

"Slight ease" indicates a minor reduction in difficulty or tension, while "significant improvement" suggests a much more substantial positive change. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the change.