subtly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done in a delicate or understated manner, often without drawing attention. Example: "She subtly hinted at her feelings without directly stating them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any one template has internal logic which changes the layout subtly according to where a production staffer marks a break or places an image or video.

The Guardian

We were at the dark heart of what Oliver was later to call "the locust years" (he loved a good epigram) when the forestry sector was trashing native woodland, and the subtext of the conference was a subtly orchestrated counter-attack by British ecologists, a bid to rehabilitate the national tree.

The Guardian - Books

And even Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who cuts through so much of the monarchy's pomposity, is a hideous social climber who subtly becomes more and more obnoxious and complacent the more access he gets to the king.

The Guardian - Film

What you produce with this recipe will be subtly different from what a restaurant might serve (the pancakes will take on a lightly toasted colour for example).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's really subtly done, absolutely spot-on.

The Guardian - Music

Sophie's stone features the dove of peace with its olive branch, two ripe bunches of grapes – "also because, later, she loved wine" – and a small, subtly carved background of rolling hills and cypress trees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brought up in Cambridge with his father, a Buddhist molecular biologist, and his mother, a singer, he went on to study the music of Cuban, Honduran and Congolese artists, traces of which feature subtly in his own music.

The Guardian - Music

Warsi's own reasoning is set out in her resignation letter and tweet to David Cameron, an "astonishing charge sheet" in Patrick Wintour's analysis, subtly amplified in Rafael Behr's column.

The Guardian

There were, it has to be said, persistent rumours that the cat who was produced at this photo opportunity had subtly different markings from the real Humphrey.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be nice to think that, as Jowell says, "this ridiculous ageism that creeps out like a bad smell will just disappear", but to anyone who senses themselves being "granny-tracked" at work – subtly counted out of the running – it probably doesn't feel that way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's the lowdown: You very stealthily lick your finger and then subtly press the anointed finger into the outside of the plane as you board and voila: safe and sound.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtly", ensure the context makes clear what is being done in a delicate or understated manner. The reader should be able to infer the intended meaning without explicit explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "subtly" to describe actions that are inherently obvious or forceful. The word implies a degree of finesse and indirectness that would be inappropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "subtly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, which means that examples found are relevant and well written.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subtly" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed in a delicate, understated, or indirect manner. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided, it's frequently found in News & Media sources, and also appears in formal business and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "delicately" and "discreetly". When using "subtly", ensure the context is clear and that it aligns with the intended meaning of finesse and indirectness. Avoid misusing it to describe obvious actions. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "subtly" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicately

Implies a refined and careful approach, often to avoid causing offense or damage.

tactfully

Describes handling sensitive situations with grace and consideration.

discreetly

Suggests maintaining privacy or avoiding attention when acting.

understatedly

Refers to expressing something in a restrained or modest way.

imperceptibly

Indicates a change or action so slight as to be almost unnoticeable.

circumspectly

Suggests careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

faintly

Refers to something that is weak or not strongly expressed.

gingerly

Implies cautiousness and care in one's actions.

obliquely

Indicates expressing something indirectly.

slightly

Denotes a minor degree or extent of something.

FAQs

How to use "subtly" in a sentence?

Use "subtly" to describe actions performed in a delicate, understated manner, often without drawing attention. For example, "She "subtly" hinted at her feelings without directly stating them".

What can I say instead of "subtly"?

You can use alternatives like "delicately", "discreetly", or "imperceptibly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "subtly" or "subtle"?

"Subtly" is an adverb used to describe how something is done, while "subtle" is an adjective used to describe a quality. For example, "She "subtly" changed the topic" (adverb) versus "The difference was subtle" (adjective).

What's the difference between "subtly" and "slightly"?

"Subtly" implies a delicate or indirect approach, while "slightly" refers to a small degree or extent. "Subtly" focuses on the manner, whereas "slightly" emphasizes the quantity or degree.