slight headache

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight headache" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a mild or minor headache. Example: "I woke up with a slight headache this morning, but it went away after I had some coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I had a slight headache by then.

The Guardian - Travel

Every ache and pain confirmed this: a cough, a stomach pain, a slight headache.

The Guardian

The young German driver walked away with nothing more than a slight headache.

The Guardian - Sport

By afternoon, he was sitting up in bed, with no injuries apart from "a slight headache".

Independent

You go in, have your blood pressure taken, sign a form, lie down, go to sleep, wake up with a slight headache and go home.

The Guardian

I had a slight headache, and my swollen bag of dried apricots popped easily and spilled its contents on the floor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It's just some slight headaches I've been feeling this morning," Duda said.

The New York Times - Sports

Six-month follow-up revealed that the patient's condition was very well except occasional slight headaches when she met cold-wind.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

If I get the slightest headache - anything like that - I start worrying.

The Guardian

And as soon as they have the slightest headache, they take a tablet; a stomach ache, one pill; another sort of pain, they go to the doctor.

Global Health Action

This sign lasted between 5 and 30 min, and was immediately followed by a slight, nonthrobbing, diffuse headache lasting about 3 4 h, without any other symptom or sign.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing headache severity, "slight" is appropriate for conveying a minor or easily manageable level of pain. Ensure the context reflects this mildness to avoid misleading the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "slight headache" when the symptoms suggest a more significant issue (e.g., accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, or severe throbbing). Opt for more accurate descriptors like "moderate headache" or "severe headache" if the condition warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight headache" functions as a noun phrase where "slight" modifies "headache", indicating the intensity or severity of the headache. It adheres to standard English grammar, as Ludwig AI confirms, and examples show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight headache" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing a headache of low intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts, from news articles and scientific publications to informal conversations. While it's generally appropriate for indicating a minor ailment, it's important to avoid overstating or understating the severity of the symptoms and consider using alternative phrases to fine-tune the description. Frequency analysis shows it's most common in "News & Media" and "Science" sources. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose descriptors that accurately reflect the specific experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor headache

Replaces "slight" with "minor", indicating a similarly low level of pain.

mild headache

Substitutes "slight" with "mild", another common descriptor for a low-intensity headache.

faint headache

Uses "faint" instead of "slight", suggesting a barely perceptible headache.

dull headache

Replaces "slight" with "dull", focusing on the quality of the pain rather than its intensity.

a touch of headache

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a small degree of headache.

a bit of a headache

Similar to "a touch of headache", this phrase uses "a bit" to convey a mild condition.

a nagging headache

Suggests the headache is persistent and bothersome, though not necessarily intense.

a low-grade headache

Employs a more clinical term to describe a headache of low intensity.

early stages of a headache

Focuses on the headache being in its initial, less severe phase.

just a headache

Downplays the severity of the headache, implying it's nothing serious.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight headache" to describe a mild headache. For example, "I had a slight headache after staring at the computer screen all day".

What's the difference between "slight headache" and "severe headache"?

"Slight headache" indicates a mild or minor headache, while "severe headache" refers to an intense and debilitating headache.

What can I say instead of "slight headache"?

You can use alternatives like "minor headache", "mild headache", or "faint headache" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to self-diagnose a "slight headache" or should I always consult a doctor?

A "slight headache" is often a common and harmless occurrence. However, if it persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended.