slightly flexible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly flexible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a small degree of adaptability or give way under pressure, often in contexts related to schedules, plans, or materials. Example: "The meeting time is slightly flexible, so let me know if you need to adjust it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Mr. Felkley liked the slightly flexible tips at the ends.

The New York Times

ABS is a very strong plastic, and is slightly flexible.

Cornell University

The best knife for the job has an 8- to 10-inch-long slightly flexible blade.

The New York Times

The waves excite low-frequency vibrations in the slightly flexible shells of the plastic or metal mines.

The New York Times - Tech

At slightly flexible disk, the BB modes bifurcate into BB and DB modes.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Similarly the terrible dilemma posed by offshore detention of asylum seekers requires the government and the opposition to be slightly flexible with solutions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Large NPs diffuse faster slightly in flexible ring polymer nanocomposites than in flexible linear polymer ones.

Polymer

Some regulators, possibly in the United States, might set slightly more flexible standards.

The New York Times

Levelling up is slightly more flexible, and weapons are vastly more customisable.

The Guardian - Tech

As euro-zone leaders ponder a second rescue for Greece, Bratislava is displaying a slightly more flexible attitude.

The Economist

China returned to a slightly more flexible currency system in June under some duress, and has let the yuan rise by 3% from early September.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like plans or policies, using "slightly flexible" indicates a welcome degree of adaptability without suggesting a complete lack of structure. Be clear on what aspects are adjustable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly flexible" when the situation requires complete rigidity or complete adaptability. This phrase denotes a middle ground and should not be used when extremes are necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly flexible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a mild degree of pliability or adaptability. Ludwig AI shows its common usage in describing physical properties and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly flexible" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe a moderate degree of adaptability or pliability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly found across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general knowledge sources. When writing, it's important to use "slightly flexible" accurately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring the degree of flexibility matches the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "somewhat pliable" or "moderately adaptable" for nuanced expression. Overall, "slightly flexible" is a useful phrase for conveying a controlled and limited degree of adaptability in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of flexible

Expresses a more casual and approximate level of flexibility, suitable for everyday conversation.

somewhat pliable

Emphasizes the material's ability to bend or be shaped, focusing on physical flexibility.

moderately adaptable

Highlights the capacity to adjust to different conditions or situations, often in a non-physical context.

a bit bendable

Suggests a more informal and tangible sense of physical flexibility or pliability.

not entirely rigid

Highlights the absence of complete stiffness or inflexibility, providing a contrastive perspective.

relatively elastic

Implies the ability to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.

marginally yielding

Suggests a small degree of give or compliance, emphasizing the subtle nature of the flexibility.

fairly adjustable

Focuses on the ease with which something can be altered to fit specific needs or requirements.

supple to some extent

Conveys a sense of smoothness and adaptability, indicating a pleasant degree of flexibility.

pliant to a degree

Implies a willingness to be influenced or shaped, suggesting a responsive form of flexibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly flexible" to describe something that can adapt to minor changes, such as, "The deadline is "slightly flexible", but try to meet the original date if possible".

What's a good alternative to "slightly flexible"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "somewhat pliable", "moderately adaptable", or "a bit bendable".

Is it correct to say "a slightly flexible" instead of "slightly flexible"?

While grammatically, "a slightly flexible" might seem correct, it's not idiomatic. The phrase "slightly flexible" functions adjectivally, so the article "a" is unnecessary unless it's part of a larger noun phrase (e.g. "a slightly flexible approach").

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

"Slightly flexible" indicates a minor degree of adaptability or pliability. "Very flexible", on the other hand, suggests a much higher degree of adaptability, implying the ability to adjust significantly or easily to various situations.