slightly worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item that shows minor signs of use or wear, often in contexts like selling or describing clothing, furniture, or other goods. Example: "The book is in good condition, but it is slightly worn on the edges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Her slightly worn, unwashed corset.

The Guardian - Books

I'm a child whose envelope has grown slightly worn".

The New York Times - Books

She usually awakes from these dreams slightly worn down, but not especially spiritually disturbed.

The New Yorker

The same slightly worn look applied to the checked suits that opened the show.

The New York Times

Inside, the second-floor rooms, where we talked, had a scholarly, slightly worn elegance.

The New Yorker

It had the genuine, slightly worn look of something owned for a year.

The New Yorker

One place to stay is the large, slightly worn but engaging Hotel Universo.

The New York Times - Travel

Look for an unassuming California-style Mexican restaurant with a slightly worn brown storefront, called the Creek and the Cave.

The New York Times

He also looked slightly worn out by the process of interviewing for the job of Cubs manager.

The New York Times

For this I select a small, slightly worn, flat-headed screwdriver, which produces a neat line without shredding the paper.

The Guardian - Arts

Buyers can now choose between owning a book, owning and reselling, or buying a slightly worn copy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items for sale, use "slightly worn" to convey honesty and build trust with potential buyers. It suggests the item isn't brand new, but still has value.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly worn" when the item has significant damage. Be honest about the condition to avoid misleading readers or buyers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly worn" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe their condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a state of gentle use or minor deterioration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

10%

Travel

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly worn" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe items that show minor signs of use or age. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in descriptions for sales, evaluations, or general assessments of condition. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its versatility in reporting and descriptive writing. While "slightly worn" is generally appropriate, it's crucial to use it honestly and avoid exaggerating or downplaying the actual condition of the item being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gently used

Focuses on the careful handling and minimal use of an item.

lightly used

Emphasizes the limited amount of use an item has experienced.

faintly scuffed

Highlights minor surface damage or marks.

a little weathered

Suggests exposure to the elements, resulting in minor wear.

showing minimal wear

Directly states that the item exhibits only a small amount of wear.

in reasonable condition

Indicates a fair level of upkeep and limited deterioration.

softly aged

Evokes a gentle, attractive quality of aging.

partially deteriorated

Refers to some level of decay in a material, but not extensive.

somewhat faded

Describes a reduction in color intensity due to age or use.

barely damaged

Refers to minimal harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly worn" to describe items that show minor signs of use or age. For example, "The book is in good condition, but the cover is "slightly worn"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slightly worn"?

Some alternatives include "gently used", "lightly used", or "faintly scuffed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Slightly worn" implies less wear and tear than simply "used". If an item has only minor imperfections, "slightly worn" is a more accurate and appealing description.

What is the difference between "slightly worn" and "heavily worn"?

"Slightly worn" suggests minimal use and minor imperfections, while "heavily worn" indicates significant use and noticeable damage. The choice depends on the actual condition of the item.