slightly modern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly modern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small degree of modernity or contemporary features. Example: "The design of the building is slightly modern, blending traditional elements with a touch of contemporary style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Slightly modern.

The Guardian - Sport

For traditional Swedish handicrafts with a slightly modern edge, Nilsson heads to Svensk Slojd in Stockholm.

The New York Times - Style

Still using pastel on paper, Severini portrayed society women in a bland manner made only slightly modern by brisk strokes that point to his recent acquaintance with French Neo-Impressionism.

The New York Times - Arts

The legs are busy, with tricky, precise allegro passages full of small jumps and beats; the upper half is where the insouciance comes in: with a transparent touch the cast must assume a slightly modern, slightly tongue-in-cheek way of looking out from the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

"Call me slightly modern, but I always felt when any team was going at the scintillating rate of slightly less than three an over, against a load of part-time, dibbly-dobbly, namby-pamby pie-throwers, they weren't really putting the boots to the opposition".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With the exception of "Wildest Dream" — slightly modern-rock, slightly Foo-Fightery — "Revelation" operates with its own kind of Schillinger System, an almost clinical set of chord modulations, solo-lengths and emotional progressions.

The New York Times - Arts

Originally there were plans to order additional Di 4 units, but this was discarded and instead a new class was pursued, as NSB wanted similar, but slightly more modern, locomotives.

Wikipedia

Scotland uses a slightly more modern 1984 law.

The Guardian

A mellow rumble spills out of the slightly too modern over-and-under exhaust pipes.

The New York Times

They are traditionally called cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene or, in slightly more modern terms, (Z)- and (E -2-butene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

La Kabbr (685 9th Avenue, between 47th and 48th St ., perhaps the only Iraqi restaurant in New York, offers a slightly more modern take on the cuisine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly modern", ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for what is considered 'modern' in that specific field or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly modern" when the subject is overwhelmingly contemporary or futuristic. This diminishes the accuracy and impact of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly modern" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes the degree to which something embodies contemporary characteristics. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase modifying diverse nouns, such as 'edge', 'presentation', and 'locomotives'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly modern" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its purpose is to qualify the extent to which something is contemporary. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is best used to describe something that blends contemporary features with traditional aspects, with a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat contemporary

Replaces 'modern' with 'contemporary', emphasizing current relevance but retaining the 'slightly' modifier.

a touch of modernity

Replaces 'slightly' with 'a touch of', softening the emphasis on the degree of modernity.

moderately up-to-date

Substitutes 'modern' with 'up-to-date', suggesting currency and recentness.

subtly modernized

Shifts focus to the act of modernization and its understated quality.

lightly updated

Focuses on the act of updating rather than the state of being modern.

mildly newfangled

Uses 'newfangled' for a playful, somewhat ironic take on modernity.

a hint of current style

Uses 'current style' to convey modernity with a focus on fashionable elements.

faintly progressive

Emphasizes forward-thinking aspects rather than just temporal newness.

somewhat cutting-edge

Uses 'cutting-edge' instead of 'modern' but retains the 'slightly' modifier.

a shade trendy

Emphasizes the fashionable aspect of modernity, using 'trendy' as an alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly modern" to describe designs, styles, or approaches that incorporate some contemporary elements without being completely new or futuristic. For example, "The building's architecture is "slightly modern", blending traditional brickwork with glass panels".

What are some alternatives to "slightly modern"?

Alternatives include "somewhat contemporary", "moderately up-to-date", or "a touch of modernity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly modern" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly modern" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precision is needed. However, consider the audience and context; more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly academic or technical settings.

What does "slightly modern" imply about something?

Using the phrase "slightly modern" implies that the subject incorporates contemporary features but retains elements of older or more traditional styles. This suggests a deliberate blend or adaptation, rather than a complete departure from the past.