slight hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight hesitation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance of someone pausing before speaking, usually to indicate uncertainty or apprehension. For example: "The candidate paused for a slight hesitation before responding to the interviewer's question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

There was a slight hesitation.

The New Yorker

There is only slight hesitation.

The Guardian

"He felt a split second of fear, a slight hesitation.

The New Yorker

Maybe there was a slight hesitation in some of them.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am Morgan," the girl said, with only slight hesitation.

The New Yorker

So West played low, but only after a slight hesitation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I had removed the umms and the aaahs, his slight hesitations and my annoying interjections.

The Guardian - Film

The director almost seems to be rejecting the movie's right-wing politics, and his discomfort is palpable, like Danny Glover's slight hesitations in the "Lethal Weapon" movies.

The New York Times

There is something in their eyes... and they use the same slight hesitations over a phrase, as if they might change their minds at any point.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Johnson almost seems to be rejecting the fascist politics of the premise, and his discomfort is palpable, like Danny Glover's slight hesitations in the "Lethal Weapon" movies (Mitchell).

The New York Times

But it's also a game, a way to make you focus on everything in the song that is in fact non-repetitive: the slight hesitations and discrepancies between musicians as the chord and the rhythm persists through the measures.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, consider alternatives like "brief pause" or "momentary delay" if the hesitation is purely temporal and doesn't necessarily imply reluctance.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "slight hesitation" when a stronger term like "resistance" or "opposition" is more appropriate, as hesitation implies a brief pause, whereas reluctance or resistance indicates a stronger unwillingness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight hesitation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a brief pause or reluctance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight hesitation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a brief pause, often indicative of uncertainty or reluctance. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various situations. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a brief pause rather than a stronger sense of opposition. Consider alternatives like ""brief pause"" or ""momentary reluctance"" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Be careful to not confuse it with stronger terms expressing true opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant pause

Reverses the order of words while maintaining the original meaning.

brief pause

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing the short duration of the interruption.

momentary reluctance

Highlights the unwillingness or disinclination felt for a short time.

fleeting hesitation

Emphasizes the transient nature of the hesitation, suggesting it passes quickly.

minor pause

Similar to "brief pause" but emphasizes the insignificance of the interruption.

small delay

Indicates a slight postponement or deferral in action or speech.

short wavering

Suggests a brief fluctuation or uncertainty in decision or action.

passing doubt

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty that briefly arises and then disappears.

initial uncertainty

Highlights the hesitation as it occurs at the beginning of an action or decision.

faint demur

Suggests a soft or subtle objection or resistance.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight hesitation" to describe a brief pause or reluctance before doing something or saying something. For instance, "There was a slight hesitation before he answered the question."

What are some alternatives to "slight hesitation"?

You can use alternatives like "brief pause", "momentary reluctance", or "fleeting hesitation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "littlest hesitation" instead of "slight hesitation"?

While understandable, "littlest hesitation" is less common and can sound awkward. "Slight hesitation" is generally preferred. Consider alternatives like "minimal hesitation" if you want to emphasize the small degree of hesitation.

What does "slight hesitation" imply?

"Slight hesitation" typically suggests a brief pause indicating uncertainty, reluctance, or thoughtfulness. The degree of hesitation is small, implying a mild reservation or pause.