swing slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swing slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or minor movement back and forth, often in a physical context. Example: "The door began to swing slightly in the breeze, creating a soft creaking sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Swan-wing doors swing slightly upward when opened.

The New York Times

Her carriage is upright, and her movements are unhurried and graceful her shoulders swing slightly as she walks.

The New Yorker

Her carriage is upright, and her movements are unhurried and graceful — her shoulders swing slightly as she walks.

The New Yorker

If disturbed by some external force, it may swing slightly or moderately to a new course, whereupon it will continue along that course or route until again disturbed.

Britannica

Compared to YfiBL43P, the N68-containing loop of the apo YfiB flips away about 7 Å, and D102 and R117 swing slightly outward; thus, the PG-binding pocket is enlarged with no sulfate ion or water bound (Fig. 4D).

Protein & Cell

To pull the ball, start your swing slightly sooner with your trigger than you would normally, allowing the bat head to get through the strike zone quickly and out in front of the ball.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the first of three seats that declared last night, support had swung slightly away, suggesting the exit poll might not be wildly out.

The Guardian

The pendulum swung slightly in favor of opponents today when Representatives David D. Phelps of Illinois and Gene Green of Texas, both Democrats, declared they would vote no.

The New York Times

He liked to imagine them going nowhere, remaining in place with their feet moving up and down and their arms swinging slightly.

The New Yorker

The second world war is such a pivotal event in human history that affected generations have inevitably speculated about what might have happened had the momentum swung slightly another way.

The Guardian - Books

However, in the first of three seats that declared last night support had swung slightly away from the Lib Dems, suggesting the exit poll might not be wildly inaccurate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swing slightly" to describe minor, often unintentional, movements. This phrase is particularly effective for depicting subtle shifts in position or direction.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly" excessively. While "swing slightly" is valid, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or vague. Consider stronger verbs or more descriptive adverbs for impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swing slightly" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, indicating a gentle or minor movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "swing slightly" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a minor or gentle movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys subtle shifts in position, whether describing doors, pendulums, or political tides. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general-purpose writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of movement and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "move a bit" or "sway gently" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move a bit

Replaces "swing" with a more general movement verb and "slightly" with a synonym.

shift a little

Focuses on a small change in position rather than a swinging motion.

sway gently

Emphasizes a smooth, back-and-forth motion instead of a sharper swing.

oscillate softly

Uses a more technical term for back-and-forth movement, implying a softer action.

veer marginally

Indicates a slight change in direction.

pivot subtly

Implies a rotational movement that is barely perceptible.

deflect minimally

Suggests a small change in trajectory or path.

rotate imperceptibly

Focuses on a rotational movement that is almost impossible to notice.

turn incrementally

Highlights a gradual change in orientation.

waver faintly

Suggests an unsteady, gentle movement.

FAQs

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

Use "swing slightly" to describe a gentle or minor movement, often back and forth. For example, "The pendulum began to swing slightly as the mechanism warmed up."

What are some alternatives to "swing slightly"?

You can use alternatives like "move a bit", "sway gently", or "shift a little" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "swing slightly" instead of "swing dramatically"?

"Swing slightly" is appropriate when the movement is subtle or barely noticeable. "Swing dramatically" implies a large, exaggerated motion. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of movement.

Is there a difference between saying "the door swung slightly open" and "the door opened slightly"?

Yes, "the door swung slightly open" emphasizes the swinging motion, while "the door opened slightly" focuses on the degree of opening. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.