slightly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison that indicates a small degree of similarity between two things. Example: "The fabric feels slightly like silk, giving it a luxurious touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

My character moved away quite young, so they are slightly like strangers and yet know each other so well".

Independent

They appear to billow slightly, like ships' sails.

The New York Times - Arts

I look slightly like I am hosting a wizard convention.

The New York Times

It made me feel slightly like a shunned prostitute.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A giddy, hilarious, silly-shoed one that looks slightly like a hedge-fund manager and slightly like a madcap genius and quite a lot like FUN.

The Guardian - Arts

The section on Thomas, towards the end of the book, feels slightly like an appendage.

The Economist

There is no other program in the country even slightly like it now.

The New Yorker

The ambitious Ruby, which comes across as a light red, tastes slightly like cranberry juice.

The New York Times

If I'm working, it should feel at least slightly like work, right?

The New York Times - Books

It's mounted on the wall and protrudes only slightly, like a bas-relief.

The Guardian - Arts

Slightly like getting a ride home with Julie rather than Kevin.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly like" to indicate a subtle or mild resemblance, avoiding stronger terms when the similarity is not pronounced.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly like" when the resemblance is significant. Opt for stronger comparisons like "very similar to" or "closely resembles" to accurately reflect the degree of similarity.

Linguistic Context

Slightly like functions as a comparative phrase, indicating a moderate degree of resemblance between two subjects. It introduces a subtle comparison, suggesting the similarity is not exact or strong. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly like" is a versatile phrase used to express a mild degree of similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is suitable for general use, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience to determine if a more precise or formal alternative is necessary. Remember to use "slightly like" when the resemblance is subtle and avoid overstating the connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit like

A more casual and less formal way of expressing a small degree of similarity.

somewhat similar to

Indicates a general similarity, but less precise than "slightly like".

kind of like

Informal and conveys an approximate comparison, often used in casual speech.

not entirely unlike

Expresses similarity by negating dissimilarity, suggesting a subtle connection.

resembles to some extent

More formal and emphasizes the act of resembling, implying a partial similarity.

bears a faint resemblance to

Formal and emphasizes the presence of a small resemblance.

vaguely reminiscent of

Suggests a faint or indistinct similarity, often evoking a memory or feeling.

approximates to a degree

More technical and suggests an approximation or estimation of similarity.

has shades of

Implies subtle similarities or influences from something else.

evokes a sense of

Suggests a feeling or impression that is somewhat similar to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "slightly like" to indicate a small degree of similarity between two things. For example, "The texture of this fabric is "slightly like" silk".

What are some alternatives to "slightly like"?

You can use alternatives such as "somewhat similar to", "a bit like", or "resembles to some extent" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly like" versus "very similar to"?

Use "slightly like" when the resemblance is subtle or not immediately obvious. Use "very similar to" when the similarities are more pronounced and easily noticeable.

Is "slightly like" considered formal or informal language?

"Slightly like" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "somewhat similar to" might be preferable in highly formal writing.