slightly off

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is not quite right or as expected. For example, "The presentation was slightly off and could have been better prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Slightly off".

The New York Times

Does your dinner taste slightly off?

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm listening for something slightly off," he said.

The New Yorker

Results: definitely inconclusive Business was slightly off in several restaurants.

The New Yorker

In close-up, he addresses an interviewer slightly off camera.

The New York Times

"If they're slightly off, people will abuse them," he says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

PROFANITY -- Slightly off-color.

The New York Times

It has some slightly off-color humor.

The New York Times

PROFANITY -- Some slightly off-color talk.

The New York Times

Even Mason seems caught slightly off-guard.

The New York Times

It's slightly off-putting, but can be amusing at times.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly off" to subtly point out imperfections or deviations without being overly critical. For instance, saying "the color is slightly off" is gentler than saying "the color is wrong."

Common error

While "slightly off" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where more precise language might be expected. Instead of "the results were slightly off", consider "the results deviated marginally from the expected values."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly off" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a minor deviation from a standard, expectation, or correct value. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly off" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that deviates subtly from an expected norm or standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for general use. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express minor inaccuracies or imperfections without strong criticism. For formal contexts, more precise synonyms are recommended. When used skillfully, the expression is versatile and adds a nuanced touch to descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite right

A common way to express that something is not perfect.

a bit wrong

Expresses a minor deviation from what is correct or expected.

somewhat inaccurate

Indicates a degree of imprecision or lack of accuracy.

slightly askew

Describes something that is not perfectly aligned or straight.

a little out

Implies a small departure from a desired or correct value.

somewhat amiss

Suggests something is not quite right or as it should be.

a touch imperfect

Emphasizes a minor flaw or lack of perfection.

marginally incorrect

Highlights a small degree of error or inaccuracy.

relatively displaced

Indicates a shift in position compared to original or desired.

mildly distorted

Describes the bending or twisting of original form.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly off" to describe something that is not quite right or as expected. For example, "The painting was beautiful, but the perspective was "slightly off"."

What's a good alternative to "slightly off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a bit wrong", "somewhat inaccurate", or "not quite right".

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

While acceptable, formal writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider alternatives like "marginally different" or "deviated slightly" for greater clarity.

What does it mean when something is described as "slightly off"?

It means there is a minor deviation from what is expected, correct, or standard. The degree of deviation is small and often not immediately noticeable.