slightly misleading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly misleading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or statements that may not be entirely accurate or could lead to misunderstandings, but only to a minor extent. Example: "The article was informative, but some of the statistics presented were slightly misleading, which could confuse readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's slightly misleading.

The New York Times

Now, this is slightly misleading.

The New Yorker

This, Atman saw now, was slightly misleading.

The New Yorker

Moore's set on Wednesday is slightly misleading.

The Guardian - Music

The list is actually slightly misleading.

The Guardian - Music

The name 'Barn' is slightly misleading however.

The Guardian - Travel

The come-on title turns out to be slightly misleading.

The New York Times - Arts

But the book's sexpot title is slightly misleading.

The New York Times - Books

However, the term 'Europe' may be slightly misleading here.

The Guardian

To talk of it as "new strategic guidance" is thus slightly misleading.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And in some ways, the term "luxury" is ever-so-slightly misleading.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly misleading", ensure the context clarifies the extent and nature of the misrepresentation. Be specific about what is inaccurate and why.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly misleading" when the inaccuracy is significant or intentional. The phrase is best reserved for minor discrepancies or unintentional errors; otherwise, use stronger terms such as "deceptive" or "fraudulent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly misleading" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying a noun or noun phrase by indicating that something is somewhat inaccurate or deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly misleading" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe information that contains some level of inaccuracy or deception. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's best employed when the misrepresentation is minor, softening the criticism. Predominantly found in "News & Media", its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. Related phrases include "somewhat deceptive" and "mildly inaccurate", offering nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure to clarify the extent of the inaccuracy. Avoid using it for significant or intentional misrepresentations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat deceptive

Indicates a degree of deception, but less direct than "slightly misleading".

mildly inaccurate

Focuses on the lack of precision rather than potential deception.

a bit deceptive

Similar to "slightly misleading" but with a less formal tone.

somewhat inaccurate

Highlights a degree of imprecision, downplaying any intent to mislead.

not entirely accurate

Emphasizes the lack of complete accuracy without implying any malicious intent.

partially incorrect

Suggests that only a portion of something is wrong, minimizing the overall error.

a little inexact

Softens the assertion of being incorrect, focusing on a lack of precision.

marginally false

Suggests a slim margin of error rather than a substantial misrepresentation.

not quite right

An informal and indirect way of indicating something is inaccurate.

a shade off

An informal expression indicating a small deviation from the truth or accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly misleading" to describe information that is not entirely accurate or may create a false impression. For example, "The advertisement's claim about the product's effectiveness was "slightly misleading"".

What's the difference between "slightly misleading" and "completely false"?

"Slightly misleading" indicates a minor level of inaccuracy, while "completely false" means something is entirely untrue. Something "slightly misleading" may have elements of truth, but presents them in a way that's deceptive. Something completely false has no truth to it.

What can I say instead of "slightly misleading"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat deceptive", "mildly inaccurate", or "a bit deceptive" depending on the context.

Is "slightly misleading" a formal or informal expression?

"Slightly misleading" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both professional and casual contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and situation.