slightly opened

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly opened" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is partly open or has been opened a small amount. It can also be used to describe a small gap or distance between two objects. Example: The door was slightly opened, allowing a sliver of light to peek into the dark room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

His eyes are slightly opened.

The New York Times

Some indecipherable emotion — something close to irritation — passed through his face, and he squinted and slightly opened his mouth.

The New York Times - Magazine

He listened at the slightly opened door, hearing her voice despite the kitchen shouts and the clatter rushing past his ears.

The New Yorker

Antiope's chubby chin is lifted, her mouth slightly opened as if in a snore, snouty nostrils upturned, an arm wrapped about her head exposing tufts of armpit hair.

The New Yorker

Bush tried imitating Torre's stare, the deep glower framed by the black eyebrows, mouth slightly opened to reflect incredulity: what in the world were you thinking?

The New York Times - Sports

"The body work may have to be slightly opened to aid the cooling configuration, while the aridity increases pressure within the cylinder chamber, which can cause internal failure," said Remi Taffin, the head of track operations for the Renault engine manufacturer.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

On a fishing trip last weekend in the Bahamas, Nicklaus decided to change his setup by slightly opening his stance.

The New York Times - Sports

On a backstroke, I was supposed to pull back my whole arm and then slightly open my forearm.

The New York Times

Lift and slightly open the diagonal creases in the top left and right corners.

WikiHow

Slightly open the tip of the head and pinch it in to create a beak.

WikiHow

Slightly open the elastic of the top folded cuff and tuck the toes in.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly opened" to describe a state of partial openness where the degree of opening is small but noticeable. For example, "The window was "slightly opened" to allow some fresh air in."

Common error

While "slightly opened" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. In those contexts, consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "partially ajar" or "incompletely shut" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly opened" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe something that is not fully closed or shut. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, and many examples, such as 'the "slightly opened" door', illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly opened" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that is partially open. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily to provide a descriptive detail about the state of an object. It maintains a neutral register and is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "partially ajar" or "somewhat open" exist, "slightly opened" remains a versatile and easily understood option. Pay attention when you need to use it in formal writing, because more precise or sophisticated alternatives could be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially ajar

This alternative emphasizes the state of being a little open.

a little bit open

This is a more informal way of saying "slightly opened".

somewhat open

This alternative emphasizes a moderate degree of openness.

barely open

This emphasizes the minimal degree of being open.

not fully closed

This focuses on the lack of complete closure.

partly uncovered

This suggests that something is partially revealed.

fractionally open

This highlights the small fraction by which something is open.

incompletely shut

Similar to 'not fully closed', this focuses on the lack of complete closure.

just a crack open

This emphasizes the smallness of the opening.

with a small gap

This describes the result of something being partially open.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly opened" to describe something that is a little bit open, such as "The door was "slightly opened", allowing a sliver of light to enter the room".

What can I say instead of "slightly opened"?

You can use alternatives like "partially ajar", "a little bit open", or "somewhat open" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slightly opened" or "slightly open"?

Both "slightly opened" and "slightly open" can be correct depending on the context. "Slightly opened" typically functions as an adjective describing a noun (e.g., "the "slightly opened" door"), while "slightly open" can function as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "the door was slightly open").

What's the difference between "slightly opened" and "ajar"?

"Slightly opened" indicates a small degree of opening. "Ajar" means nearly the same thing, but it usually refers to a door, and it often implies a sense of anticipation or expectation.