slightly ridiculous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly ridiculous" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is slightly absurd or silly. Example: "The magician's performance was slightly ridiculous, with his exaggerated gestures and cheesy props."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slightly ridiculous.

The Guardian - Opinion

This seems slightly ridiculous in 2010.

The New York Times - Food

The oversized now looks slightly ridiculous.

The New York Times

"I'm being slightly ridiculous, of course," he said.

The New Yorker

With Audie, she would have felt vulnerable and slightly ridiculous.

The New Yorker

Gore was made, once more, to look slightly ridiculous.

The New Yorker

But it would be still slightly ridiculous were this to happen over these multinationals.

Independent

Whistleblowing was not for him: "I would have felt I would look slightly ridiculous".

The Guardian - Opinion

Mithchell is a rather touching, questing, slightly ridiculous, sweet-hearted person, as I've drawn him.

The New Yorker

All my close friends have a sense of how slightly ridiculous life is.

The Guardian - Music

Because they would look not only "slightly ridiculous" but "absolutely hideous".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly ridiculous" to convey a mild sense of absurdity or silliness without being overly critical or harsh. It's ideal for situations that are amusingly strange rather than genuinely problematic.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly ridiculous" in highly formal or professional writing where a more serious tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "somewhat inappropriate" or "mildly unconventional" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly ridiculous" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun with a mild degree of absurdity or silliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Many Ludwig examples show it being used to temper potentially harsh judgements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly ridiculous" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival modifier that expresses a mild sense of absurdity or silliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of overusing it in formal settings. Consider using alternatives like "somewhat absurd" or "a bit preposterous" to fine-tune your message. By considering these nuances, you can effectively convey the intended degree of absurdity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch absurd

Highlights the slight nature of the absurdity.

faintly absurd

Highlights the subtle nature of the absurdity.

mildly ludicrous

Similar in meaning, but "ludicrous" is a stronger term than "ridiculous".

marginally absurd

Emphasizes the small degree of absurdity involved.

somewhat absurd

Implies a touch more absurdity than "slightly ridiculous".

rather silly

Focuses more on the silliness or foolishness aspect.

somewhat laughable

Focuses on the humor or amusement derived from the situation.

kind of foolish

Emphasizes the lack of good sense or judgment.

a bit preposterous

Suggests a higher degree of unbelievability or outrageousness.

a little farcical

Suggests a more theatrical or exaggerated type of ridiculousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly ridiculous" to describe something that is mildly absurd or silly. For example: "His suggestion to wear a banana costume to the meeting was "slightly ridiculous"."

What are some alternatives to "slightly ridiculous"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat absurd", "a bit preposterous", or "rather silly", depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "slightly ridiculous" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more professional term like "somewhat inappropriate" or "mildly unconventional" instead.

What's the difference between "slightly ridiculous" and "completely ridiculous"?

"Slightly ridiculous" implies a mild degree of absurdity, while "completely ridiculous" suggests something is utterly absurd and nonsensical. The former is a milder, less critical assessment.