slightly hollow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly hollow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small amount of emptiness or lack of substance, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The sound of the drum was slightly hollow, lacking the depth and resonance expected from a well-crafted instrument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

For the middle classes in some countries, indeed, it was a slightly hollow golden age.

Britannica

But the cheers had a slightly hollow ring because no one is really sure if the acquisition will go through.

The New York Times

"She failed to see that it was probably already over and that there was something slightly hollow about that event".

The New York Times

So Mr. Laskin's celebration of his partisans sounds slightly hollow, and his eventual despair over them seems exaggerated.

The New York Times - Books

He is our greatest exponent of mime, but the fact it's difficult to name the second foremost mime artist in this country renders that compliment slightly hollow.

The Guardian

It's slightly hollow to compare Mr Miranda's treatment with the weird state of affairs in Guantánamo Bay, but they are cut from the same sort of shameful cloth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He was perhaps a few years older than she was, tall and rather frail-looking, slightly hollow-chested, but vigorous in his greeting, relentless in his smiling.

The New Yorker

Plant each tuber with the depressed or slightly hollowed out side up (root side down).

The New York Times

The setup of his latest "Milkstone" (2010), a slightly hollowed white marble slab covered with a thin film of milk, was just as exacting.

The New York Times - Arts

Nana was rawboned and on the homely side, with a slightly hollowed mouth, so her price for incalls was eighty dollars, unless the men were older and had more cash to throw around.

The New Yorker

In its place, perhaps, shot glasses of hot Nutella, garnished with tiny croutons, or a tier of slightly battered hollow santas, each featuring the ambassador's name scrawled in white icing across their tums.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly hollow" to describe feelings, sounds, or objects that possess a minimal lack of substance or depth. It's effective for conveying a sense of something being not entirely complete or genuine.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly hollow" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "somewhat empty" or "a bit vacant" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly hollow" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding a nuance to the noun it describes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It indicates a mild degree of emptiness or lack of substance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly hollow" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjectival modifier used to describe a subtle lack of substance or depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, its appropriate usage spans various contexts, ranging from news reporting to casual conversation. While it enjoys common usage in journalistic and encyclopedic sources, diversifying with synonyms like ""somewhat empty"" or ""a bit vacant"" can prevent repetition. Mastering its use enhances your ability to convey nuanced assessments without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A touch hollow

Uses 'touch' to denote a minor degree of hollowness.

Somewhat empty

Indicates a mild degree of emptiness, similar to "slightly hollow".

A bit vacant

Suggests a small degree of emptiness or lack of feeling.

Mildly insincere

Conveys a low level of lacking genuineness, akin to something being "slightly hollow" in its authenticity.

Faintly shallow

Implies a small degree of lacking depth, relating to the superficial nature suggested by "slightly hollow".

Superficially unconvincing

Highlights a minimal level of inauthenticity.

Lacking some resonance

Suggests a subtle absence of emotional or impactful quality.

Barely substantial

Indicates a minimal presence of substance or solidity.

Almost meaningless

Suggests the lack of meaning or significance.

Hardly profound

Indicates a lack of depth or insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly hollow" to describe something that lacks depth or substance. For example, "The victory felt "slightly hollow" because of the circumstances surrounding it".

What are some alternatives to "slightly hollow"?

Alternatives include "somewhat empty", "a bit vacant", or "mildly insincere", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly hollow"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a subtle lack of depth, genuineness, or substance without being overly critical. It suggests something is not entirely fulfilling or complete.

Is "slightly hollow" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "slightly hollow" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for versatility in different writing styles.