slightly worried

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly worried" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in different situations to describe a mild level of concern or unease. Example: Despite her confident demeanor, Sarah was slightly worried about her upcoming job interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except that I was slightly worried I might fall asleep..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm slightly worried that it might be happiness".

The Guardian - Books

"I was slightly worried about my start," Bolt said afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

He laughed at this one, and looked only slightly worried.

The New York Times

Embarrassed, pregnant pauses contrasted with guilty, slightly worried laughs.

The Guardian

Mike, we're slightly worried about you but well done.

The Guardian - Sport

"And when they asked me to do it, I was slightly worried.

Independent

He was flattered but slightly worried that she wanted to make love every night.

The New Yorker

She looks slightly worried... Someone says the wife of one of the crew is expecting.

The New Yorker

He does not appear to be even slightly worried about his prospects.

The New York Times

"I am slightly worried about Tottenham's chances today," says paranoia's Nick Smith.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing mild concern, "slightly worried" can be softened further by adding context. For example, "I'm slightly worried, but I trust her judgment" adds nuance and reassurance.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly worried" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of concern. Overusing it can dilute the impact of more serious anxieties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly worried" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of mild concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly worried" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a mild level of concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, consider the specific context and ensure that the level of concern aligns with the intended message. While widely accepted, overuse in situations demanding stronger language should be avoided. Consider using alternatives like "a bit concerned" or "somewhat anxious" for nuanced expressions. The phrase is most frequent in neutral and professional registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly concerned

Synonymous, replacing "worried" with "concerned".

a bit concerned

Expresses a similar level of concern, using "concerned" instead of "worried" and "a bit" to indicate a slight degree.

a tad worried

Uses the informal "a tad" to indicate a small degree of worry.

somewhat anxious

Uses "anxious" as a synonym for "worried", suggesting a mild state of unease.

a little uneasy

Indicates a mild feeling of discomfort or apprehension.

mildly apprehensive

Uses "apprehensive" to denote a slight fear or anxiety about future events.

not overly concerned

Highlights that the level of concern is not excessive or extreme.

not entirely comfortable

Suggests a lack of complete ease and a subtle level of worry.

somewhat fearful

Expresses a degree of fear that is not overwhelming but still present.

somewhat perturbed

Implies a mild disturbance or agitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly worried" to express a mild level of concern. For example, "I was "slightly worried" about the weather for the outdoor event".

What are some alternatives to "slightly worried"?

You can use alternatives such as "a bit concerned", "somewhat anxious", or "a little uneasy" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly worried" or "a little worried"?

"Slightly worried" and "a little worried" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

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

"Slightly worried" indicates a mild level of concern, while "very worried" suggests a much stronger and more significant level of anxiety or fear.