slightly more at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly more at ease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being somewhat more relaxed or comfortable than before. Example: "After a long day at work, I felt slightly more at ease once I settled down with a good book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cameron appeared slightly less composed than usual while Milliband came over as possibly being slightly more at ease than one might have expected.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's only slightly more at ease with questions about the alienated world-view of his records - one copied by scores of "troubled" artists since: "I dunno where it came from," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Finally, if you're a Democrat and worry that Donald Trump's election was somehow illegitimate, you should support this pre-Electoral College investigation even though there's little likelihood that it reveals any foreign interference with the election as finding that to be the case would put you at least slightly more at ease about Trump being your president for the next four years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Slightly awkward and distractible when facing questions, he was more at ease making small talk, and most effusive on the subject of his family, enthusing about Ms. Jolie's film ("I played set photographer") and the kids.

The New York Times

Now I am more at ease.

Independent

Pruitt seemed more at ease now.

The New Yorker

Maria was more at ease.

The Guardian - Tech

Coles seems more at ease.

The New York Times - Sports

Solange has never sounded more at ease.

The New Yorker

Arguably looks more at ease alongside Gary Cahill.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm more at ease with myself".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly more at ease" to subtly indicate a positive shift in someone's comfort level or state of mind. This phrase is useful when you want to avoid stronger expressions of relief or relaxation.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly more at ease" when the situation calls for a stronger expression. Overusing this phrase can dilute the impact if someone experiences significant relief or comfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly more at ease" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically a verb of being or seeming (e.g., seemed, felt, appeared). It describes the degree to which someone or something is comfortable or relaxed. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this construction in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly more at ease" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, primarily found in news and media contexts. As per Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a mild increase in comfort or relaxation. When using this phrase, consider its subtlety and appropriateness for the context. Alternatives like "a bit more relaxed" or "somewhat more comfortable" can offer similar meanings. Be mindful not to overstate the degree of comfort and ensure that a stronger phrase isn't more suitable. Overall, "slightly more at ease" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing nuanced emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit more comfortable

This alternative uses "comfortable" instead of "at ease", implying a physical or emotional sense of comfort that is marginally better.

somewhat more relaxed

This phrase replaces "at ease" with "relaxed", suggesting a reduction in tension or anxiety.

slightly more comfortable

This variation directly substitutes "at ease" with "comfortable", focusing on a feeling of physical or emotional comfort.

a little more relaxed

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "slightly" with "a little" and "at ease" with "relaxed".

marginally more at peace

This phrase replaces "at ease" with "at peace", suggesting a deeper sense of tranquility and contentment.

somewhat less anxious

This alternative focuses on the reduction of anxiety as a way of achieving a state similar to being "at ease".

a bit more at home

This phrase uses the idiom "at home" to convey a sense of comfort and belonging, similar to being "at ease".

somewhat more confident

This alternative suggests that the increased ease comes from a boost in confidence.

a little more secure

This phrase implies that the feeling of ease is derived from a sense of safety and security.

marginally more settled

This alternative replaces "at ease" with "settled", suggesting a feeling of stability and calmness.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly more at ease" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly more at ease" to describe a person or situation that has become somewhat more relaxed or comfortable. For example, "After the initial introductions, she seemed "slightly more at ease"."

What can I say instead of "slightly more at ease"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit more relaxed", "somewhat more comfortable", or "a little less anxious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly more at ease" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly more at ease" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a subtle change in emotional state. However, consider the context and whether a stronger or more precise phrase would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "slightly more at ease" and "completely at ease"?

"Slightly more at ease" implies a partial reduction in tension or discomfort, while "completely at ease" suggests a full state of relaxation and comfort. The former is a matter of degree, indicating a subtle change, whereas the latter indicates a final state.