slight indentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight indentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor indentation in a surface or material. Example: "The document had a slight indentation on the top corner, which made it look slightly worn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A slight indentation becomes moist, a river runs through it.

The New Yorker

In a large serving bowl or plate, arrange noodle mixture, leaving a slight indentation in center.

The New York Times

The most prized are unblemished, with a slight indentation around the middle.

The New York Times

This type of contraction produces a slight indentation of the stomach wall.

Britannica

Back in the 1950's, the cup holder was nothing more than a slight indentation, barely discernible to the naked eye.

The New York Times - Travel

If a slight indentation was found in a ballot's presidential column, and other holes were punched through, Palm Beach, unlike other counties, threw the ballot out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The 1955 Chevrolet, for example, had two slight indentations on the inside of the glove compartment door, just the right size for thermos cups.

The New York Times - Travel

"Double-Spouted Jar," a blue free-form shape speckled with pink, has a friendly, slightly erotic presence, while "Vessel," a sleek gray bulb shape with slight indentations, is a refined, elegant sister.

The New York Times - Arts

In the reddish-gray mouse lemur, the first lower molar (m1) is squared and both the first and second upper molars (M1 and M2) have slight indentations around the middle of the posterior margin.

Wikipedia

Today the Palm Beach County Canvassing Board resumed its manual recount, beginning the arduous task of scrutinizing at least 6,000 contested ballots and trying to determine whether the slightest indentation amounts to a vote.

The New York Times

There should be a little indentation.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, like engineering or manufacturing, use "slight indentation" to describe precise tolerances or specifications for surface features.

Common error

Avoid using "slight indentation" when the depression is more significant; opt for terms like "moderate dent" or "noticeable hollow" to accurately reflect the scale of the feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight indentation" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a noun by specifying a characteristic: a small or shallow recess. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight indentation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a minor depression or recess on a surface. As confirmed by Ludwig, its applications span various contexts from news and media to scientific analyses. It's important to use this phrase accurately, avoiding exaggeration and choosing more precise terminology when necessary. Its semantic alternatives offer nuanced ways to express the same concept, catering to specific descriptive needs. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase's appropriateness. This phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it versatile for different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallow depression

Replaces 'slight' with 'shallow', focusing on the depth of the indentation.

minor recess

Uses 'minor' instead of 'slight' and 'recess' instead of 'indentation', indicating a small setback or hollow.

gentle impression

Emphasizes the softness or gradual nature of the indentation.

subtle mark

Shifts the focus to the visual aspect of a barely noticeable indentation.

small dent

Uses 'dent' to convey a more forceful impression than a typical indentation, implying a collision.

faint hollow

Highlights the concavity of the indentation, using 'faint' to suggest it's barely perceptible.

superficial groove

Describes the indentation as a linear channel on the surface, with 'superficial' indicating its shallowness.

delicate impression

Implies that the indentation was created with gentle pressure or has a fine, intricate appearance.

minimal concavity

Focuses on the inward curve of the surface, using 'minimal' to express its small degree.

light impression

Emphasizes the lightness or lack of pressure that caused the indentation.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight indentation" to describe a minor depression on a surface. For instance, "The fruit is considered ripe if it leaves a "slight indentation" when pressed gently."

What's the difference between "slight indentation" and a "minor dent"?

While both indicate a shallow depression, "slight indentation" often implies a designed or natural feature, whereas a "minor dent" usually suggests damage from impact.

What are some alternatives to "slight indentation"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "slight indentation" include "shallow depression", "minor recess", or "gentle impression".

Is "slight indentation" a formal or informal term?

"Slight indentation" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical writing, more precise measurements might be preferred.