slight shake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight shake" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, gentle movement or trembling. Example sentence: The old man's hands had a slight shake as he reached for his coffee cup.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Give them a slight shake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Slight shake of the head, a sigh, all gone in an instant.

The New York Times

Sean grinned, gave a slight shake of the head, and then sat down.

The New York Times

"Ooh," he said with a slight shake of his head, "it might rake some stuff up".

The Guardian

He gave a slight shake to the hair on his forehead.

The New Yorker

As the vanquished Ukraine coach, Mykhailo Formenko, said with a slight shake of the head: "A machine is a machine".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

You can also set the speed of the autofocus (it's more accurate at slower speeds), and you can adjust to three degrees of optical stabilization (it can interfere with the view through the eyepiece), which adjusts for slight shakes.

The New York Times - Tech

Then I countered, "But does that give you the right to run people over?" He actually furrowed his brow and thought about that, and in a brief instant said, with a slight shaking of his head, "No".

The New York Times

Instead of the traces of dust and scratches, and the slight shaking of the image that is perceptible at many screenings, they were looking at a picture that is pristine, sharp and steady.

The New York Times

Once the magnet is withdrawn, the particles could be redispersed into the water immediately by slight shaking.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Third, the feed rate of the cutters increases suddenly due to the slight shaking of the machinery which occurs at the beginning of the pipe cutting, so it is necessary to adopt a small feed rate.

Natural Gas Industry B

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight shake" to describe subtle movements or vibrations, particularly when precision is important. For example, use it to describe the delicate operation of scientific instruments or the expression of subtle emotional cues.

Common error

While "slight shake" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or clinical in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "little wiggle" or "quick jiggle" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight shake" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a minor or gentle movement. It is a descriptive phrase combining an adjective ("slight") with a noun ("shake").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight shake" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor or gentle trembling movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to scientific descriptions. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context to avoid sounding overly formal. Common alternatives include "gentle tremor" and "subtle quiver". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science. Remember to employ it when a precise description of a subtle movement is needed, avoiding overuse in informal settings where more relaxed vocabulary might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle tremor

Replaces "shake" with "tremor" emphasizing a subtle vibration.

subtle quiver

Uses "quiver" instead of "shake" implying a light trembling motion.

small shudder

Substitutes "shake" with "shudder", suggesting a brief, involuntary trembling.

faint vibration

Replaces "shake" with "vibration", focusing on the sensory aspect of the movement.

mild trembling

Uses "trembling" instead of "shake" and modifies "slight" with "mild", describing a soft instance of shaking.

soft jiggle

Replaces "shake" with "jiggle", implying a light, rapid movement.

gentle wobble

Uses "wobble" instead of "shake", suggesting a swaying or unsteady movement.

insignificant trembling

Modifies "slight" with "insignificant" and replaces "shake" with "trembling", implying a very small trembling.

barely perceptible shake

Describes the shake as barely noticeable, focusing on its subtle nature.

minor convulsion

Replaces "shake" with "convulsion", which indicates irregular shaking, and adds minor, for an insignificant convulsion.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight shake" to describe a gentle movement. For example, "The instrument registered a "slight shake" during the experiment" or "He gave a "slight shake" of his head to indicate disagreement".

What are some alternatives to "slight shake"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gentle tremor", "subtle quiver", or "faint vibration". These phrases convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "a slight shake" or "slight shake"?

Both "a slight shake" and "slight shake" are grammatically acceptable, but "a slight shake" is more common when referring to a single instance. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does a "slight shake of the head" typically indicate?

A "slight shake of the head" often indicates disagreement, disapproval, or a lack of certainty. It's a subtle gesture that can convey a range of negative emotions or responses.