the slightest of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the slightest of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Here is an example of its usage: "She heard the slightest of noises coming from the basement, causing her to feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was the slightest of pauses.

The New York Times

I had the slightest of preferences for the stirred one.

The New York Times - Food

"With the slightest of means, they can grip you".

The New York Times

For the slightest of moments, my father looked uncertain.

The Guardian - Books

Can cranachan endure the slightest of fruit-based re-calibrations?

The Guardian - Opinion

— ready to come tumbling out at the slightest of nudges.

The Guardian - Books

It is also the slightest of them, perhaps because it's his first novel.

The New York Times - Books

But it looks like Mr. Santorum has the slightest of edges here.

The New York Times

Dujmovits takes the slightest of leads but then she goes a bit wide.

The Guardian - Sport

"We'll send them some of that tape," Mangini said with the slightest of grins.

The New York Times - Sports

His charming psychopath, Mickey Donovan, reveals an encyclopedia of evil intent with the slightest of squints.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the slightest of" to emphasize how little something needs to change or how small something is to have a significant effect. For example, "The slightest of errors can cause a system failure."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "the slightest of" can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "minimal" or "negligible", especially in formal contexts. Consider whether a more concise phrasing would improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the slightest of" functions as an intensifier, typically modifying a noun. It emphasizes the minimal or negligible degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, such as "the slightest of pauses" or "the slightest of means".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the slightest of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the minimal degree or amount of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media contexts. While acceptable in formal writing, consider whether a more direct phrasing would be clearer. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "the slightest of" to add emphasis and nuance to your writing. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "the tiniest bit of" or "the merest hint of" for variety and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tiniest bit of

Emphasizes the extremely small quantity or degree, using "tiniest" for added emphasis.

the merest hint of

Focuses on a subtle indication or suggestion, using "merest" to highlight subtlety.

the smallest amount of

Replaces "slightest" with "smallest amount" to offer a more literal interpretation.

the faintest trace of

Highlights a barely perceptible presence or indication, using "faintest trace" for emphasis.

the least bit of

Emphasizes the minimal quantity or degree, similar to "the slightest of".

the barest minimum of

Stresses the idea of a minimal quantity reduced to its absolute lowest limit.

the most minuscule of

Uses "minuscule" to emphasize the exceedingly small nature of something.

a touch of

Offers a more concise way to indicate a small addition or modification.

an iota of

Emphasizes an extremely small amount or degree of something.

a shade of

Indicates a slight variation or degree, often used for colors or emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "the slightest of" in a sentence?

You can use "the slightest of" to emphasize a minimal degree or amount. For example, "He reacted to "the slightest provocation"" or "She felt "the slightest breeze"."

What phrases are similar to "the slightest of"?

Similar phrases include "the tiniest bit of", "the merest hint of", or "the smallest amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "the slightest of" or a simpler word like "minimal"?

It depends on the context. "The slightest of" emphasizes just how small the amount is, while "minimal" is more direct. Use "the slightest of" when you want to highlight the sensitivity or impact of something small. For example, "Even "minimal contact" could spread the infection" versus "Even "the slightest contact" could spread the infection."

Can "the slightest of" be used with uncountable nouns?

Yes, "the slightest of" can be used with uncountable nouns. For instance, you can say "the slightest doubt", "the slightest hesitation", or "the slightest resistance".