slim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is thin or narrow, often in reference to physical appearance or size. Example: "She wore a slim dress that accentuated her figure beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Greek voters are equally certain that it's unfair for them to suffer years of slim government budgets and high unemployment in order to repay foreign banks and richer northern neighbors, which have reaped outsized benefits from closer European integration.

The New York Times

Kennedyesque is still the style, the demeanour, candidates for high office aspire to: slim, energetic, accompanied by a supremely elegant spouse.

The Guardian

It may be a slim volume, but it contains worlds.

The Guardian - Books

So much so that there is now a slim chance that Hillary Clinton's presidential aspirations have been undone by something she could have feasibly been taught on a WebWise internet safety course.

The Guardian

Erect in his seat in a north London pub, his slim 6ft 5in wrapped in layers of fitted menswear, Blake drinks a coffee and indulges in that great British pleasure: the meandering, recreational moan.

The Guardian - Music

He is a slim man with a charcoal shirt, orange tie and neatly squared goatee.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The stranger offering scholarships was a woman named Godiya, a slim, quietly-spoken 27-year-old whose sister had been among the kidnapped schoolgirls.

The Guardian

But if you remain open to the possibility of change, even if it's a slim possibility, even if we recognise that it's a small probability, if you remain open to that probability and fight for it then you become part of the shift towards that.

The Guardian

Each household inside the favela makes its own connection to the community's single, slim water pipe, drilling a hole, attaching an elbow joint and running another pipe or hose into their homes.

The Guardian

My report, which includes a field study carried out on a Peabody Trust housing estate in central London, hopes to add to this slim body of research.

The Guardian

If you send in your lead attorney or PR firm, odds are slim that trust will be built.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "slim" to imply an attractive and healthy thinness. Avoid using it in contexts where "thin" might suggest malnourishment or illness.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing the word "slim" when describing data or probabilities. Opt for more precise terms like "slight", "minimal", or "marginal" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "slim" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something or someone that is thin, slender, or reduced in size. As seen in Ludwig, it can also indicate a small chance or probability. The examples provided showcase its common usage in describing physical attributes and possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "slim" is a versatile adjective that commonly describes something thin or slender, or indicates a small chance of something happening. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in the context of News & Media. When writing, use "slim" to convey an attractive thinness and reserve more formal words like "marginal" or "slight" for professional contexts. By considering these nuances, you can ensure your writing is both precise and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender

Describes a graceful thinness, often implying elegance.

thin

A general term for having little thickness or flesh.

slight

Indicates something small in degree or amount.

narrow

Refers to limited width.

svelte

Describes attractively thin and graceful figures.

lean

Suggests a healthy thinness, often associated with fitness.

meager

Implies a small or insufficient amount.

scant

Similar to meager, suggesting a barely sufficient quantity.

remote

Indicates a distant or unlikely possibility.

reduced

Refers to a decrease in size or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "slim" in a sentence?

You can use "slim" to describe physical appearance (e.g., "She has a "slim" figure"), probabilities (e.g., "There's a "slim" chance of success"), or objects (e.g., "He carried a "slim" briefcase").

What can I say instead of "slim" to describe a small chance?

Alternatives include "slight", "remote", or "minimal" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slim" in professional writing?

Yes, "slim" is generally acceptable, but consider more formal alternatives like "marginal" or "slight" when discussing data or analytical results.

What's the difference between "slim" and "thin"?

"Slim" often implies an attractive or desirable thinness, while "thin" is a more general term that can sometimes suggest being underweight or unhealthy. Use ""slim"" when the thinness is seen as positive.