slightly bitter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly bitter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mild bitterness in taste, emotion, or experience. Example: "The coffee had a slightly bitter aftertaste that lingered on the palate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The finish tends to be slightly bitter.

The New York Times

A small handful were slightly bitter.

The New York Times - Food

Has a slightly bitter aftertaste that you'll learn to crave.

The New Yorker

There was a slightly bitter tone that crept in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No stars Truefoods Turkey Gravy 250g, £2.99, ocado.com Slightly bitter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Slightly bitter tasting, Swiss chard is usually cooked and is frequently used in soups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stevia has a slightly bitter aftertaste that may put off some drinkers.

The Economist

Light and dark tahinis are very different, the dark being slightly bitter.

Independent

They are tart and slightly bitter: an adult's delight in any season.

The New York Times - Food

The slightly bitter leaves are chewed for a stimulant they contain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We soon learned that the milk was of terrible quality, watery and slightly bitter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, use "slightly bitter" to indicate a subtle bitterness that adds complexity rather than detracting from the overall taste. This is common in describing beverages like coffee or beer, or certain vegetables.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly bitter" to describe emotions when a more nuanced term would be appropriate. While grammatically correct, it can sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "somewhat resentful" or "a hint of disappointment" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly bitter" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, providing information about its taste, quality, or emotional tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly bitter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase for describing a mild bitterness in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context when using it to describe emotions, opting for more nuanced alternatives when appropriate. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, reflecting its neutral register and descriptive utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat acrid

Replaces 'bitter' with 'acrid' to denote a sharp or pungent taste or smell and 'slightly' with 'somewhat' to denote the quantity.

mildly astringent

Replaces 'bitter' with 'astringent', referring to a dry, puckering sensation, and "slightly" with "mildly" to denote the quantity.

a touch of bitterness

Uses a noun phrase to express the same concept, focusing on the presence of a small amount of bitterness.

faintly sharp

Substitutes 'bitter' with 'sharp' and slightly with 'faintly' referring to a taste or sensation that is noticable.

a hint of resentment

Shifts the context to emotion, using 'resentment' to replace 'bitterness' and 'hint of' to indicate a small amount.

moderately tart

Replaces "bitter" with "tart" and "slightly" with "moderately" implying a balance between sweetness and sourness.

a tad jaded

Replaces "bitter" with "jaded" suggesting a loss of enthusiasm and slightly becomes "a tad".

somewhat cynical

Replaces "bitter" with "cynical" suggesting a distrust in others motives and slightly becomes "somewhat".

barely irate

Replaces "bitter" with "irate" meaning anger and slightly becomes "barely".

minutely morose

Replaces "bitter" with "morose" meaning sullen and ill-tempered and slightly becomes "minutely".

FAQs

How can I use "slightly bitter" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly bitter" to describe tastes, emotions, or experiences. For example, "The coffee had a slightly bitter aftertaste" or "There was a slightly bitter tone in his voice".

What is a synonym for "slightly bitter"?

Alternatives to "slightly bitter" include "somewhat bitter", "mildly bitter", or "a touch of bitterness", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly bitter"?

It is appropriate to use "slightly bitter" when you want to describe a subtle bitterness in taste, smell, emotion, or experience. Ensure the context allows for a nuanced and not overwhelmingly negative connotation.

What's the difference between "slightly bitter" and "very bitter"?

"Slightly bitter" indicates a mild level of bitterness, while "very bitter" suggests a strong, more intense bitterness. The choice depends on the degree of bitterness you want to convey.