slightly heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or situation that has a bit more weight than expected or is somewhat burdensome. Example: "The box was slightly heavy, making it difficult for her to lift it onto the shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Food

Sport

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Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

DUCHÉ LONGUEVILLE, CIDRE BOUCHÉ, NORMANDIE ANTOINETTE $6 Dry and direct, clean and fresh, slightly heavy carbonation.

The New York Times - Food

The gnocchi were slightly heavy, but the combination was satisfying, with balanced flavors.

The New York Times

If her vibrato was slightly heavy for Baroque music, it was consistently expressive.

The New York Times - Arts

All attacks, furthermore, are to be made "with a slightly heavy heart".

The Guardian - Opinion

It's as though he's wearing a slightly heavy sleeping bag with wheels attached.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At times its rigorously research-led approach can be slightly heavy going.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The smallness of the hall added to a sense of claustrophobia, and Mr. Frank, with the perfect touch for Brahms, was a slightly heavy-handed Schubertian.

The New York Times - Arts

But he doesn't do much more than preserve and transmit the dances — with admirable skill and care and a slightly heavy-handed wit.

The New Yorker

(What has happened here? Who is mourning who, or what?) "Ghostown" can feel meandering and slightly heavy-handed in its hints of narrative.

The New York Times - Arts

Collins can't resist dropping the slightly heavy-handed hint that Phillip Rhodes's severe-sounding Aeneas may be the same bounder who hangs up on Poulenc's Elle, though in this instance his behaviour is even more reprehensible: he doesn't even ring.

The Guardian - Music

Click here to watch video Husain's interview with the Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai on her first day in the job was the BBC's slightly heavy-handed way of showing off Today's first-ever Muslim presenter, but made the point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "slightly heavy" to indicate a dish that is rich or dense, but not overwhelmingly so. This conveys a nuanced understanding of texture and flavor.

Common error

While acceptable, using "slightly heavy" repeatedly in formal or scientific writing might sound informal. Consider using more precise terms like "moderately dense" or "somewhat substantial" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly heavy" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a light degree of heaviness. As evidenced by Ludwig, this can apply to physical weight, the richness of food, or even abstract concepts such as a slightly heavy heart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Food

8%

Sport

7%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly heavy" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something possessing a mild degree of heaviness. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in various contexts, ranging from describing physical objects to emotional states. While generally neutral in tone, its use should be considered in formal contexts, where more precise language might be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms that "slightly heavy" is correct and frequently utilized. When in doubt, alternatives like "somewhat heavy" or "a bit heavy" may serve as suitable replacements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit heavy

Simple substitution of "slightly" with "a bit", maintains the original meaning.

a little heavy

Uses "a little" instead of "slightly" for a more casual and less precise expression of heaviness.

somewhat heavy

Replacing "slightly" with "somewhat" provides a more formal tone, implying a similar degree of heaviness.

marginally heavy

Uses "marginally" to emphasize the small degree of heaviness.

a touch heavy

Replaces "slightly" with "a touch", softening the assessment of heaviness.

noticeably heavy

Emphasizes that the heaviness is easily observed or felt.

relatively heavy

Changes the focus to a comparison, suggesting heaviness in relation to something else.

moderately heavy

Implies a medium degree of heaviness compared to the original phrase's slight implication.

almost heavy

Highlights the potential for being heavy, but not quite reaching that state.

not too light

Expresses heaviness by negating lightness, implying it is heavier than desired.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly heavy" to describe something that has a bit more weight than expected. For example, "The box was "slightly heavy", but I could still carry it".

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly heavy"?

Alternatives to "slightly heavy" include "somewhat heavy", "a bit heavy", or "a little heavy", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "slightly heavy"?

Yes, "slightly heavy" is grammatically correct. It combines the adverb "slightly" with the adjective "heavy" to modify the degree of heaviness.

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

"Slightly heavy" indicates a minor degree of heaviness, whereas "very heavy" implies a significant and potentially burdensome weight. The choice depends on the degree of weight you wish to convey.