slight hitch

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight hitch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a "slight difficulty" or obstacle, or a small problem, especially when the problem is minor or can be solved easily. For example: "We had a slight hitch in the paperwork but it was all sorted out within an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

One slight hitch, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is a slight hitch in the scheme.

The Economist

NEW BRUNSWICK George Street Playhouse "One Slight Hitch," comedy by Lewis Black.

The New York Times

She wanted to catch a fish, she said, but there was a slight hitch.

The New York Times

When I was done with my errand, I followed her directions but encountered a slight hitch.

The New York Times

"One Slight Hitch" has a cutesy, slightly saccharine ending, but Mr. Grifasi's lively production largely makes up for it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

When packed trains follow one another, with a minimum safety margin, the slightest hitch can have a knock-on effect.

The Guardian

For much of the evening they are threading collar studs, removing shoe trees and making cups of tea for you in the interval, but during a quick change their abilities are tested to the limit, because the slightest hitch can transform the most equable actor into a raving psychotic in seconds.

The Guardian

But there has been another wave of human movement in Beijing, in a very different direction: tens of thousands of people regarded as potential troublemakers have been detained by the authorities -- many moved to custody in distant locales -- to make sure that their presence does not create the slightest hitch in a well-choreographed political conference.

The New York Times

So when one working mother needed to nurse her baby during a live TV appearance, she managed to pull it off with only the slightest hitch.

Huffington Post

British Airways said there had been a "slight technical hitch" that had caused the pod to halt and it sent engineers to resolve the issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a delay or complication in formal settings, pair "slight hitch" with a proactive solution or a plan to mitigate its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "slight hitch" in formal reports where precise language is required. Opt for more specific terms like "minor delay", "technical malfunction", or "procedural error" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight hitch" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples illustrate its use in describing minor disruptions or obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight hitch" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor problem or obstacle. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and notes its versatility across various contexts. While primarily used in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal settings. It's important to remember that, while useful for downplaying issues, more precise language may be needed in formal reports. Alternatives such as "minor setback" or "small snag" can be used for semantic variation. In summary, "slight hitch" is appropriate when you want to acknowledge a small problem without causing alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small snag

Synonymous replacement, conveying a slight impediment or complication.

minor setback

Replaces "hitch" with "setback", emphasizing a temporary delay in progress.

small obstacle

Substitutes "hitch" with "obstacle", highlighting the impediment aspect.

modest complication

Emphasizes the slightly complex nature of the difficulty using more formal vocabulary.

minor difficulty

Uses "difficulty" instead of "hitch", focusing on the problematic nature.

passing difficulty

Implies the issue is temporary and easily overcome.

trivial issue

Replaces both words to stress the insignificance of the problem.

little problem

Uses simpler language to describe the minor issue.

brief inconvenience

Focuses on the disruption caused by the minor problem.

fleeting issue

Highlights the temporary nature of the problem, suggesting it will pass quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight hitch" to describe a minor problem or delay, such as, "There was a slight hitch in the production schedule, but we're back on track now."

What are some alternatives to saying "slight hitch"?

You can use alternatives like "minor setback", "small obstacle", or "minor difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight hitch" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "slight hitch" may sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "minor complication" or "technical issue".

What's the difference between "slight hitch" and "major problem"?

"Slight hitch" implies a minor, easily resolvable issue, while "major problem" indicates a significant obstacle that requires substantial effort to overcome.