slightly fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly fragile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat delicate or vulnerable, indicating a minor degree of fragility. Example: "The antique vase is slightly fragile, so please handle it with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

She sings in a slightly fragile, flexuous contralto voice.

Independent

The batter, which is kosher, makes extremely tasty but slightly fragile latkes, and contains preservatives.

The New York Times - Food

And in the vast hotel lobby he cuts a slightly fragile figure.

The Guardian

He looks slightly fragile the next morning, en route back to London.

The Guardian - Music

The song seemed outlandish in 1978; now it sounds like rock guitar-playing as it's always been, carefully shaped and slightly fragile.

The New Yorker

"You do go to the well an awful lot of times in an Olympic year, both mentally and physically and particularly track and field athletes do come out of an Olympic Games slightly fragile – it's inevitable.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She is very thin, slightly fragile-looking, and this day seemed somewhat on edge.

The New Yorker

DLP advocates say the colour balance is better and power consumption is lower, but the technology uses thousands, sometimes, millions of tiny mirrors, making them slightly more fragile.

The Guardian - Tech

Painted wooden signs are only a slightly more fragile way to fill your walls, advertising a Pennsylvania flour mill ($29,500 at RJG Antiques), an upstate New York manufacturer of blade sharpeners ($3,500 at American Primitive), a whale-oil shop in Massachusetts ($36,000 at Just Folk) or an unknown bank that commissioned a plank reading simply BANK in squiggly, uneven letters.

The New York Times - Arts

With the S4 Active you're getting flagship smartphone power and looks in a slightly less fragile package than usual but not one that looks like it belongs on a building site.

TechCrunch

I described him afterwards as "fragile, slightly lost, almost childlike".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly fragile" to describe conditions or objects that require careful handling or consideration due to their delicate nature. It effectively communicates a need for caution without exaggerating the level of fragility.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly fragile" when the context suggests extreme fragility. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "extremely fragile" or "delicate" to accurately reflect the true state of the object or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly fragile" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree of fragility of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly fragile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a mild degree of vulnerability or delicacy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, conveying a need for caution without exaggeration. When using "slightly fragile", be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the level of fragility. Alternative phrases like "somewhat delicate" or "a bit vulnerable" can also be used to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly vulnerable

Maintains the structure but replaces "fragile" with "vulnerable".

somewhat delicate

Replaces "fragile" with "delicate" implying a more refined or graceful vulnerability.

marginally delicate

Uses "marginally" for slightness and "delicate" for fragility.

a bit vulnerable

Substitutes "fragile" with "vulnerable", focusing on the susceptibility to harm or damage.

a touch frail

Employs "frail" implying a delicate weakness often associated with age or illness.

rather weak

Uses "weak" instead of "fragile", emphasizing a lack of strength or resilience.

somewhat brittle

Substitutes "fragile" with "brittle", highlighting a tendency to break easily.

somewhat unstable

Replaces "fragile" with "unstable", suggesting a lack of firmness or steadiness.

a little unsteady

Similar to "somewhat unstable" but focuses on a physical lack of balance or stability.

a shade insecure

Replaces "fragile" indicating a lack of confidence or stability, often in an emotional or psychological context.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly fragile" to describe something that is somewhat delicate or vulnerable. For example, "The antique vase is "slightly fragile", so please handle it with care."

What's the difference between "slightly fragile" and "extremely fragile"?

"Slightly fragile" indicates a minor degree of fragility, while "extremely fragile" suggests a much higher level of delicacy and vulnerability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual condition of the object or situation.

What can I say instead of "slightly fragile"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat delicate", "a bit vulnerable", or "rather weak" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly fragile" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly fragile" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey a mild degree of fragility. However, ensure that the word choice aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing. For example, "somewhat delicate" can also be used.