slight hesitations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight hesitations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe minor pauses or uncertainties in speech or thought. Example: "During her presentation, there were slight hesitations that made her seem less confident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation involving "slight hesitations", provide context to explain the reasons behind them. This will enhance the reader's understanding and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "slight hesitations" repeatedly in a short span, as it can make the writing feel repetitive and monotonous. Vary your vocabulary to describe pauses and uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight hesitations" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement. It describes brief pauses or uncertainties, often in speech or action. As noted by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight hesitations" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, referring to minor pauses or uncertainties. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, but can also appear in Scientific settings. While there are no prevalent grammatical errors associated with it, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity. Alternatives such as "minor pauses" or "brief uncertainties" can be used for variety. As Ludwig AI states, "slight hesitations" adds nuance to a description, implying a lesser degree of certainty or confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor pauses

Focuses on the brevity of the pauses.

brief uncertainties

Emphasizes the element of doubt or uncertainty.

fleeting hesitations

Highlights the temporary nature of the hesitations.

small pauses

Similar to minor pauses but more general.

momentary delays

Focuses on the interruption of flow.

brief pauses

Another general term for short interruptions.

hesitant moments

Shifts the focus to moments characterized by hesitation.

minor hitches

Implies a small problem or disruption.

short lulls

Emphasizes a temporary period of inactivity.

small disruptions

Focuses on the interruption caused by the hesitations.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight hesitations" to describe someone's speech or actions, indicating a lack of certainty or confidence. For example, "During the interview, his "slight hesitations" suggested he wasn't entirely sure of his answers."

What are some alternatives to "slight hesitations"?

Alternatives include "minor pauses", "brief uncertainties", or "fleeting hesitations", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slight hesitations" or "minor hesitations"?

"Slight hesitations" and "minor hesitations" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Slight" may imply a smaller degree of hesitation.

What does "slight hesitations" imply about a person's character?

"Slight hesitations" can suggest a person is thoughtful, unsure, or possibly concealing something. The context in which the phrase is used will greatly influence its interpretation.