slight effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight effect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a small, minimal change or influence a situation has experienced. For example, "The new laws had a slight effect on the cost of living."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

would have only a slight effect on gasoline prices.

The New York Times

THE BOTTOM LINE There is limited evidence that eye color can have a slight effect on vision.

The New York Times - Health

Had his planned celebrations taken place, they would have most likely had only a slight effect on his popularity.

The New York Times

From a practical standpoint, Mr. Lane said the change in rating might have a slight effect, by increasing the cost to Hewlett-Packard of raising money.

The New York Times

The researchers said they saw a slight effect of placebos on subjective outcomes reported by patients, like their descriptions of how much pain they experienced.

The New York Times

But high-temperature property of the asphalt has slight effect.

Construction and Building Materials

The result: CCTVs only have a slight effect as far as lowering the overall crime rate is concerned.

TechCrunch

Administration of an NSAID had a slight effect on cows' well-being during a PMI.

Journal of Dairy Science

Brine flow rate and wind speed have slight effect on still production.

Energy Conversion and Management

However, only a slight effect of the caspase inhibitor across the session was found.

Neuroscience

In rapid eye movement sleep, a slight effect on heart rate was observed (P <.05).

The Journal of Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight effect", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the nature of the limited impact. For example, "The change in temperature had a slight effect on the plant's growth."

Common error

Avoid using "slight effect" when the actual impact is significant. Ensure your description accurately reflects the degree of influence, as exaggerating can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight effect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "slight" is an adjective modifying the noun "effect". It describes the degree or intensity of an impact or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight effect" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a minimal or limited impact. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across various domains. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys a nuanced understanding of influence, emphasizing the importance of accurate descriptions and avoiding overstatements. When writing, ensure the context supports the claim of a "slight effect", and consider alternatives like "minimal impact" or "minor influence" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal impact

Focuses on the small degree of influence or consequence.

negligible consequence

Highlights the insignificance of the result or outcome.

minor influence

Emphasizes the reduced level of sway or control.

limited effect

Stresses the restricted scope or extent of the outcome.

modest impact

Indicates a humble or restrained consequence.

subtle influence

Highlights the indirect or understated effect.

marginal impact

Conveys the borderline significance of the result.

small change

Focuses on the diminutive alteration or shift.

weak effect

Stresses the reduced power or strength of the outcome.

superficial impact

Implies the consequence is only skin-deep or not profound.

FAQs

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

Use "slight effect" to describe a situation where something has a minimal impact. For instance, "The new policy had a "small effect" on employee morale."

What are some alternatives to saying "slight effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "minimal impact", "negligible consequence", or "minor influence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "slight effect" or "significant effect"?

The choice depends on the context. "Slight effect" is appropriate when the impact is small, while "significant effect" is used when the impact is substantial. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the impact.

Can "slight effect" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "slight effect" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and accurate way to describe a minimal impact, as demonstrated by its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and academic publications.