slightly untidy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly untidy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not completely organized or neat, but only to a small degree. Example: "Her desk was slightly untidy, with a few papers scattered around and a coffee cup sitting on the edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The plating can be slightly untidy and the flavors a bit reticent even now.

The New York Times - Food

Rollings was bright, charming, slightly untidy; he became Foxtons' fixer, its good cop.

The Guardian - Business

Instead, we felt like house guests, an impression enhanced both by the slightly untidy tone of the place and by family portraits on the walls dating from the dim past into the mid-20th century.

The New York Times - Travel

And he himself has often been held up as the single voice of Englishness – not Britishness – as having some fundamental connection with the bones and heart of the nation – an idea Stephen Johnson reinforced in this engaging, slightly untidy feature by using the landscapes of Britain as his organising principle.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Close estimates, with a short laugh, that he's made about 200 art pieces from a single photograph he took of composer Philip Glass in 1968 -- the one in which Glass looks as if he's just gotten out of bed, his eyelids dropping, mouth slightly ajar, and hair an untidy mass of tendrils about to fly away.

Los Angeles Times

"Tall, somewhat gaunt, aristocratic, very dignified: a strong, yet sensitive face, crowned by untidy locks of white hair … He leaned slightly forward, resting both hands on the chair in front of him … How long I looked I do not know, but … all the time he just stood motionless and gazed".

The Guardian - Books

An untidy cell.

The New York Times

All very untidy.

The New Yorker

His rails are a little bit untidy, but he flies like a jumbo and puts together a series of big tricks, although there was one slightly awkward landing.

The Guardian - Sport

And freedom's untidy.

The New York Times

I'm so untidy".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly untidy" when you want to soften the description of something being messy or disorganized. It's suitable when the lack of order is minor and not a major issue.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly untidy" in contexts that demand a high degree of formality or precision. In these situations, opt for more neutral or professional language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly untidy" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing the degree to which something is not neat or organized. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a minor state of disarray.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly untidy" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a minor state of disorganization. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of situations. While alternatives like "a bit messy" or "somewhat disarranged" exist, "slightly untidy" provides a specific nuance that can be useful in descriptive writing. However, it's best to avoid overusing it in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit messy

Replaces "untidy" with "messy" and "slightly" with "a bit", indicating a minor level of disorganization.

somewhat disarranged

"Somewhat" replaces "slightly", and "disarranged" replaces "untidy", suggesting a mild lack of order.

a little disordered

Uses "a little" instead of "slightly" and "disordered" instead of "untidy", portraying a minor lack of arrangement.

mildly cluttered

"Mildly" replaces "slightly", and "cluttered" replaces "untidy", indicating a small amount of items scattered around.

not perfectly neat

Employs a negative construction to convey the meaning of "slightly untidy", focusing on the absence of perfect order.

a touch unkempt

Replaces "slightly" with "a touch" and "untidy" with "unkempt", suggesting a slight lack of grooming or care.

somewhat rumpled

"Rumpled" specifically refers to a creased or wrinkled appearance, similar to a mild state of untidiness.

a shade disheveled

"Disheveled" implies a state of being unkempt or disordered, used to describe a slightly messy appearance.

just a tad disorganized

Uses "just a tad" in place of "slightly", and "disorganized" instead of "untidy", for a minor lack of organization.

carelessly arranged

Suggests a lack of deliberate arrangement, resulting in a state of mild untidiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly untidy" to describe something that is a little messy or disorganized. For example, "Her desk was "slightly untidy", with a few papers scattered around."

What's the difference between "slightly untidy" and "very untidy"?

"Slightly untidy" indicates a minor degree of messiness, while "very untidy" implies a significant level of disorganization. The former is a more gentle description.

What can I say instead of "slightly untidy"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit messy", "somewhat disarranged", or "a little disordered" depending on the context.

Is "slightly untidy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "slightly untidy" might be too informal for highly formal or professional writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "somewhat disarranged" in such contexts.