to dance lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to dance lightly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a graceful or delicate style of dancing. An example could be: "She seemed to dance lightly across the stage, captivating the audience." Alternative expressions include "to dance gracefully" and "to dance softly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Romney continues to dance lightly around the debt limit fight.

The Washington Post

Fourteen pairs of slender diagonal columns seem to dance lightly around a perimeter that would normally be a palisade of uprights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They dance lightly into line, choreographed and disciplined, head to toe, by computer.

The New York Times

I'll dance lightly around this, but of course, you were married to Rosanne Cash.

Huffington Post

He was what was called brash, and could dance lightly on the surface of conventional comedy, without melodrama or pathos.

The New Yorker

As a ghost in the second act, Ms. Tuttle danced lightly with an unearthly calm, yet also with an intense desire to save Albrecht from the evil spirits.

The New York Times - Arts

It dances, lightly and clearly, every step guided by reason and taste.

The New York Times - Arts

He danced lightly with her and leaped breezily through his variations.

The New York Times

As Lensky, the man Olga loves, Vladimir Malakhov danced lightly, with beautifully clear line.

The New York Times - Arts

The '08 was a beautifully balanced, complex, subtle wine that danced lightly through the mouth despite its somewhat thick texture.

The New York Times - Food

They, too, danced lightly but dangerously together, and the motion led them, as if hypnotized, into a garden, where they shared one of the fiercest and most fondant kisses in the history of movies, or of mouths.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to dance lightly" when you want to describe a movement that is both graceful and effortless. It can also be used metaphorically to describe handling a delicate situation with care and finesse.

Common error

While "to dance lightly" is grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat whimsical in formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "to proceed carefully" or "to address delicately" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to dance lightly" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to describe a graceful or delicate movement. It suggests an action performed with ease and finesse, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to dance lightly" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe graceful movement or a delicate approach to a situation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post, it is important to note that the phrase is relatively uncommon and may sound whimsical in certain contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives in formal settings. Whether describing a ballerina or a politician navigating a sensitive issue, "to dance lightly" conjures an image of elegance and care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to step lightly

Focuses on the lightness of each step, emphasizing a gentle and careful movement.

to glide effortlessly

Focuses on the ease and smoothness of the movement, similar to dancing lightly.

to float gracefully

Emphasizes the ethereal and elegant quality of the movement, akin to a light dance.

to waltz gently

Specifies a particular dance style done with a light and gentle touch.

to move nimbly

Highlights the agility and quickness of the movement, reflecting the lightness of a dance.

to tread delicately

Shifts the focus to carefulness and precision, suggesting a light and cautious approach.

to prance airily

Highlights the light and carefree quality of the movement, suggesting a whimsical dance.

to skip merrily

Adds a sense of joy and playfulness to the movement, implying a light and cheerful dance.

to trip the light fantastic

An idiomatic expression that suggests taking part in some lighthearted dance.

to skim over

Emphasizes moving quickly and lightly over a surface, metaphorically like dancing lightly.

FAQs

How can I use "to dance lightly" in a sentence?

You can use "to dance lightly" to describe literal dancing or to metaphorically describe handling a situation with care. For instance, "She seemed "to dance lightly" across the stage" or "He had "to dance lightly" around the issue to avoid causing offense."

What are some alternatives to "to dance lightly"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to glide effortlessly", "to move nimbly", or "to tread delicately".

Is "to dance lightly" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to dance lightly" may sound too whimsical for formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "to proceed carefully" or "to address delicately" in professional or academic contexts.

What does it mean to "dance lightly around" a topic?

To "dance lightly around" a topic means to avoid directly addressing it, often due to its sensitivity or complexity. It implies a cautious or indirect approach, similar to "to skirt around" the issue.