slightly used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item that has been used a little but is still in good condition, often in contexts like sales or product descriptions. Example: "This slightly used bicycle is available for sale at a reduced price."

✓ Grammatically correct

Sales descriptions

Classified ads

Personal ads

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't help feeling slightly used.

The New York Times - Food

For sale: one sex mansion, slightly used.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Would you like a slightly used soda?

The New York Times - Arts

"They are slightly used," Ms. Watson said.

The New York Times

Marcia Clark is presented as a slightly used vamp.

The New Yorker

Take a quick look at a slightly used version of the same car before you buy.

The Washington Post

I was returning home from a delightful dinner in a 1995 Jaguar sedan, only slightly used.

The New York Times

Stop by a pet cemetery and pick up a slightly used one.

The New Yorker

The weeks that followed offered a guided tour of Saddam Style, slightly used.

The New York Times - Magazine

Capaldi said: "I feel it's slightly used as a pawn in a Saturday night warfare.

The Guardian

Slightly used items can be traded in for a gift card.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly used" when describing items that are still in good working order and retain most of their original functionality and appearance.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "slightly used" status. If an item has noticeable wear and tear, use more accurate descriptions like "used" or "fair condition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly used" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing the condition of a noun. It indicates that an item has been used to some extent but is still in relatively good condition. Ludwig examples confirm this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly used" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe items that have experienced minimal wear and tear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across a variety of contexts, particularly in sales and descriptions, where honesty and accuracy are important. While alternatives like "gently used" and "lightly used" exist, the choice depends on the specific item and the desired emphasis. To ensure proper usage, avoid exaggerating the condition and choose accurate descriptions to match the level of use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gently used

Emphasizes the careful handling and minimal wear of the item.

lightly used

Highlights the minimal amount of usage the item has experienced.

hardly used

Emphasizes the limited usage of the item.

pre-owned

Focuses on the item having had a previous owner, without specifying the extent of use.

used sparingly

Indicates the item was not used often.

used - like new

Indicates the item is used but in a condition close to new.

previously owned

Similar to pre-owned, but slightly more formal.

secondhand

A common term for used goods, without specifying condition.

in good condition

Focuses on the condition of the item, implying it is usable despite being used.

well-maintained

Highlights that the item was cared for during its use.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly used" to describe an item that has been used but is still in good condition. For example: "This "slightly used car" is available at a reduced price" or "I bought a "slightly used bicycle" from a friend".

What is a good alternative to "slightly used"?

Alternatives to "slightly used" include "gently used", "lightly used", or "pre-owned". The best choice depends on the specific context and the item being described.

Is it better to say "slightly used" or "used"?

"Slightly used" implies that the item has minimal wear and tear, while "used" is a more general term. Use "slightly used" when the item is in particularly good condition for its age.

What does "slightly used" mean in the context of a car?

When referring to a car, "slightly used" suggests the vehicle has low mileage, minimal cosmetic damage, and is generally well-maintained. It is often used as a selling point to indicate a better condition than a typical used car.