slight question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you have a minor or not very significant question to ask. Example: "I have a slight question about the deadline for the project submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"To be honest, as great a physical condition as she's now in, there always has to be a slight question mark about that," he said at last, emphasizing the word slight.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is not the slightest question [of doping] whatsoever".

The Guardian - Sport

"To eliminate even the slightest question, we are taking the step of paying for gifts given to us in 2000," Mr. Clinton said in the statement.

The New York Times

"There is not the slightest question," she wrote, "that the persecution of the Jews has reached its awful climax in a campaign to wipe them out of Europe.

The New York Times

And then I had a grandmother--whom I write about, for the first time, in this book--who would clam up at even the slightest question.

Huffington Post

If you've never met a gay person or even had the slightest question about how we operate: Let me assure you that it is quite true.

Huffington Post

Inmates do not have regular access to the internet, so while outsiders can Google the slightest question, the incarcerated have to use an old-fashioned form of search engine: the printed encyclopedia.

Vice

Asked if it limited him at all, Gronkowski dismissed the question with a slight head shake, saying, "I was 100 percent out there doing everything they asked me to do".

The New York Times - Sports

When I ask if he ever forgets a slight, the question is meant to be a joke, but he replies in the same sinister monotone.

The Guardian - Books

Did anyone raise even the slightest comment, question, or concern?

Vice

Four questions had moderate, fair or slight agreement including questions 32e (hospital admissions during pregnancy), 57 (child's long term medical problems requiring care), 32 (medical problems during pregnancy) and 23 (learning or behavioral support in school).

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight question", ensure that the context reflects the genuinely minor nature of the inquiry. Overusing it for significant issues can diminish its intended effect and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "slight question" when the subject matter is complex or has potentially serious implications. Choose a more appropriate phrase to match the gravity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight question" functions as a noun phrase, where "slight" modifies the noun "question". It indicates a minor or insignificant inquiry. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, indicating a minor or insignificant inquiry. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals that the phrase appears in neutral contexts, such as news media and science, implying that it's suitable for various subjects. While its frequency is uncommon, proper application is vital to retain credibility. Use alternatives such as "minor query" or "small question" for similar implications, and avoid using the phrase for matters of substantial complexity to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minor query

Replaces "slight" with "minor", indicating a small or insignificant question.

Small question

Substitutes "slight" with "small", denoting a question of limited importance.

Trivial question

Replaces "slight" with "trivial", emphasizing the question's lack of significance.

Insignificant question

Uses "insignificant" instead of "slight" to highlight that the question has little importance.

Marginal question

Employs "marginal" instead of "slight", suggesting the question is of minor relevance.

Modest question

Replaces "slight" with "modest", indicating a question that is limited in scope or impact.

Minor point of inquiry

Rephrases the entire phrase using "point of inquiry" to replace "question" and "minor" instead of "slight".

Small matter for discussion

Changes the structure to "matter for discussion", indicating the question is a small issue.

Passing query

Uses "passing" to suggest the question is brief and not particularly important.

Brief question

Replaces "slight" with "brief" to indicate the question is short and concise.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight question" to introduce a minor inquiry or clarification. For example, "I have a slight question about the deadline" or "There's a slight question regarding the budget allocation".

What can I say instead of "slight question"?

You can use alternatives like "minor query", "small question", or "brief inquiry" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "slight question"?

It's inappropriate to use "slight question" when the issue at hand is complex, sensitive, or has significant consequences. In such cases, phrases that reflect the seriousness of the matter are more suitable.

Is there a difference between "slight question" and "simple question"?

Yes, while both indicate the inquiry isn't complex, "slight question" emphasizes the insignificance of the issue, whereas "simple question" focuses on the ease of understanding and answering it.