slightly imperfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly imperfect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has minor flaws or imperfections, often in a context where those flaws are not significant. Example: "The painting was slightly imperfect, with a few brush strokes that didn't quite match the artist's vision, but it still captured the essence of the scene beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Could she be considered for the prize if the first rhyme in her verse was slightly imperfect?

The New York Times

For many, the group represented a fully realized, slightly imperfect, emotionally durable urban team in a tournament dominated by clubs from rural and suburban communities.

The New York Times - Sports

The carpets at the Web site, some one of a kind, some slightly imperfect, are 40percentto75percentcent off the retail price.

The New York Times

Its cramped space is packed thick with pants, shorts and shirts, stacked as if by a schoolchild, in slightly imperfect piles.

The New York Times

"Barracuda," he said again, with a devilish grin, adding in his slightly imperfect English: "The only predator that never give up its prey.

The New York Times

And according to online retailers who sell first-quality merchandise along with blemished products, there is a growing appetite among online shoppers for the slightly imperfect stuff if it is offered at bargain prices.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Lichtenstein's touch in his early Pop days has come to look not anonymous and machine-manufactured but particular, quirky, even strangely vulnerable, which is to say human with its imperfect, slightly vulgar handmade imitations of mechanically reproduced objects, advertisements and other cheap commercial images.

The New York Times - Arts

In contrast, the rate region gap between RS and SC SIC slightly reduces in imperfect CSIT, as observed by comparing Fig. 12 with Fig. 9.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If anything reflects Dre hiding in the studio a little too long, it's the combination of perfect sound and imperfect, slightly dated politics.

Los Angeles Times

T2, mn can be slightly different as imperfect decoupling can lead to slight line broadening for S13C, which does not play a role for S12C.

Analytical Chemistry

Overall, epigenetic profiles (HpaII) provided imperfect but slightly better separation of the taxa than did the genetic profiles (MspI).

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly imperfect" to describe items or situations where the imperfections are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall quality or function. This conveys a sense of acceptance and realism.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly imperfect" in highly formal or critical contexts, such as legal documents or scientific reports, where precision and flawlessness are expected. Opt for more technical or specific terms to describe the imperfections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly imperfect" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It indicates a state of being less than perfect, but only to a small degree. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly imperfect" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something with minor flaws. As supported by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse sources, from news and media to scientific literature. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts where acknowledging minor imperfections is appropriate. When greater precision is needed, consider alternatives like ""somewhat flawed"" or ""mildly defective"". Remember to avoid overusing it in strictly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite perfect

Directly states the lack of perfection, but implies it's close.

moderately imperfect

Specifies a moderate level of imperfection.

somewhat flawed

Emphasizes the presence of flaws to a certain degree, but not severely.

a touch flawed

Indicates a small flaw that is barely noticeable.

mildly defective

Highlights a defect, but one that is not substantial or critical.

a shade imperfect

Implies the imperfection is subtle and barely discernible.

imperfect to a degree

Explicitly mentions the presence of imperfection, specifying that it is limited.

slightly amiss

Indicates that something is not quite in order, but only to a small extent.

a bit off

A more informal way to indicate that something is not quite right or perfect.

somewhat deficient

Suggests a lack of something, but not severely lacking.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly imperfect" to describe something that has minor flaws or imperfections, such as "The vase she bought was "slightly imperfect", but she loved it anyway."

What are some alternatives to "slightly imperfect"?

Some alternatives to "slightly imperfect" include "somewhat flawed", "mildly defective", or "not quite perfect" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "slightly imperfect" in formal writing?

While "slightly imperfect" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, more precise terms might be preferable.

What does "slightly imperfect" imply about the severity of the imperfection?

"Slightly imperfect" implies that the imperfections are minor and do not significantly affect the overall quality or usability of something.