sway slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sway slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or subtle movement, often in reference to objects, people, or even emotions. Example: "The trees began to sway slightly in the gentle breeze, creating a calming atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She was so thin she seemed to sway slightly on her feet.

The New Yorker

A preliminary government investigation reported that the mostly rural festival-goers panicked when the suspension bridge began to sway slightly under the weight of the crowd.

The New York Times

Though the tug of the leash caused the bear to sway slightly to the left, its eyes were trained high on nothing.

The New Yorker

The pictures cause us, the readers, to sway slightly as we suspend our disbelief; they look like proof of something we know is unprovable.

The Guardian - Books

And Piano has come up with a new top: another garden with full-size trees and a three-hundred-foot-high central mast, which will sway slightly in the wind.

The New Yorker

She lifts a hand, regards it as it shakes and, as piano music starts to play, she begins to sway slightly, as if the sound evokes a past life.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Altman stood in the shade of the veranda, swaying slightly.

The New Yorker

"She was going like this," he said, and swayed slightly.

The New York Times

He left the room swaying slightly, fatigued and stunned by the experience.

The New Yorker

Skyscrapers could alter their aerodynamic profiles, swaying slightly to distribute increased loads during hurricanes.

The Economist

He said the crane was swaying slightly right after the accident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sway slightly" to describe a gentle and almost imperceptible movement. This phrase is particularly effective when creating a sense of tranquility or subtle instability.

Common error

While "sway slightly" is appropriate in many descriptive contexts, avoid overuse in formal or technical writing. In these situations, consider more precise verbs that specify the type of movement, such as "fluctuate" or "oscillate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sway slightly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of movement. It indicates a gentle, almost imperceptible motion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with examples showing its application to both animate and inanimate subjects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sway slightly" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to depict a gentle and subtle movement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in news and media contexts. While versatile, its suitability depends on the desired level of formality and precision. Consider alternatives like "move gently" or "shift subtly" to fine-tune your descriptions. It’s worth noting that while the phrase is often encountered in general contexts, it may be less frequent in formal writing, where more specific verbs might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move gently

Emphasizes the gentleness of the movement.

rock softly

Implies a back-and-forth motion with a soft touch.

shift subtly

Highlights the subtle nature of the shift or change in position.

waver faintly

Suggests an unsteady or trembling movement that is barely perceptible.

oscillate gently

Describes a smooth, rhythmic movement back and forth.

undulate softly

Evokes a flowing, wave-like motion that is gentle and smooth.

stir lightly

Implies a small, almost imperceptible movement or disturbance.

tremble gently

Suggests a slight shaking movement, often due to emotion or instability.

bob gently

Describes a brief, up-and-down movement in a smooth and unhurried way.

wiggle softly

Indicates a slight and playful movement.

FAQs

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

Use "sway slightly" to describe a gentle and subtle movement. For example, "The curtains swayed slightly in the breeze".

What are some alternatives to "sway slightly"?

You can use alternatives like "move gently", "rock softly", or "shift subtly" depending on the context.

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

"Sway slightly" and "sway a little" are very similar, but "sway slightly" suggests a more delicate and almost imperceptible movement. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "swaying slightly"?

It means that something is moving gently and subtly from side to side or back and forth. This often suggests a lack of stability or a gentle influence, such as the wind.