sort of slight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of slight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat or moderately small or thin in nature. Example: "The dress was sort of slight, making it perfect for a summer day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's the sort of slight that wouldn't be aimed at directors who come off as more bookish; as such, it's a kind of snobbery.

The New Yorker

Putin is blessed with the sort of slight frame and unmemorable face that perfectly match who he was: a colorless mid-level spy.

The New Yorker

Thus, Shell was expected to cleanse somehow the putrid politics of Nigeria.Mr Herkstroter has talked about multinationals being dragged down by what he calls "a ghost in the system some sort of slight blurring that causes us to make subtle, but in the end far-reaching, mistakes in assessing developments".

The Economist

"The problem is these things affect our self-esteem, because when we meet a micro-aggression or some sort of slight or assault, we don't know if it's because of our color, because the attacks are not blatant anymore, or if it's because of something about us".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Presumably NYU political science professors like Mead don't need to put up with the sort of slights experienced by people doing unskilled labor.

The Economist

Those sorts of slights, the critics say, stem from a premature judgment by media organizations that the Democratic race is, effectively, over and that Sanders has lost.

Los Angeles Times

Ms. Shapiro called that "sort of a slight concern" and admitted to a few jitters.

The New York Times

In fact, he was the sort of quiet, slight, rather shy young man who doesn't make much of an impression on his classmates at all.

The New Yorker

With an infectious can't-do attitude and rants that I assume are related to some sort of childhood slight, Cory can tank a project just by being assigned to it.

The New Yorker

They work very hard to minimize their existence in the interest of seeming polite (or perhaps in the interest of some distorted conception of "friendly"), or not making waves, or to assuage some sort of imagined slight that is historically germane to those who dare to Exist as Women in a Space.. Sugar and spice and all that crap.

Huffington Post

As if I was enacting some sort of dreadful personal slight against an ex-boyfriend or something".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of slight" when you want to express a mild degree of something without being overly direct. It's suitable for softening potentially negative descriptions.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "sort of slight", as they can weaken your writing. Opt for more precise language when possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of slight" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or adjective to indicate a moderate or small degree of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it softens the description.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sort of slight" serves as a qualifier to express a mild degree or small amount. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While not as precise as other alternatives like "slightly" or "somewhat", it is useful for softening descriptions and avoiding overly direct statements. To enhance your writing, be mindful of overusing vague language and consider more specific adjectives when appropriate. Keep in mind that the expression is valid in English but not very common, meaning that you should use it sparingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly

Single word expressing a degree of smallness, simpler.

somewhat small

Replaces "sort of" with "somewhat" and "slight" with "small", emphasizing size.

a little slight

Uses "a little" instead of "sort of", indicating a small degree.

kind of small

Employs "kind of" in place of "sort of", focusing on size rather than a perceived insult.

mildly insignificant

Substitutes both words with synonyms stressing lack of impact.

marginally small

Formal alternative highlighting minimal size.

relatively minor

Shifts focus to importance or consequence being low.

rather small

Emphasizes smallness using "rather".

somewhat insignificant

Using 'insignificant' to highlight the lack of impact of the phrase.

almost negligible

Highlights that something is barely noticeable or important.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of slight" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of slight" to describe something that is mildly small or insignificant. For instance, "There was a sort of slight hesitation in her voice."

What's a more concise way to say "sort of slight"?

Alternatives include "slightly", somewhat, or a little. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever better to use a stronger adjective than "sort of slight"?

Yes, if you want to emphasize the degree or impact, consider using a more direct adjective like "minor", "small", or "insignificant".

What's the difference between "sort of slight" and "somewhat slight"?

The phrases are very similar, but "sort of slight" can sometimes imply a hint of uncertainty or hesitation, while "somewhat slight" is a more straightforward description of degree.