Slightly larger

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly larger" is a correct phrase in written English
You can use it to describe the size of something that is barely larger than something else. For example, "The new laptop I bought is only slightly larger than my old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Slightly larger," he responded.

The Guardian - Tech

Slightly larger and more urban than Hastings.

The New York Times

Or just slightly larger than microscopic.

The New Yorker

Their clients also had slightly larger accounts.

The New York Times

The criminal "parishes" may be slightly larger.

The Economist

Females are slightly larger than males.

Cornell University

It is slightly larger than life.

The Guardian - Arts

(They're slightly larger than cigarette packets).

The New York Times - Arts

Broader stock indicators showed slightly larger declines.

The New York Times

The Marine squad is slightly larger.

The Washington Post

Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly larger" when you want to convey that something is only marginally bigger, preventing exaggeration and maintaining precision in your descriptions. For instance, instead of saying "the upgraded model is larger", say "the upgraded model is "slightly larger"" to indicate a minimal size increase.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly larger" when the size difference is actually significant. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader and undermine the accuracy of your writing. If the difference is substantial, opt for phrases like "considerably larger" or "significantly bigger" to reflect the true scale of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly larger" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that quantifies the size of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate a minimal increase in size compared to something else. Examples include "slightly larger accounts" or "slightly larger declines."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly larger" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minimal size difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate that something is just a bit bigger. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports and academic papers to everyday conversations. When using "slightly larger", ensure that the size difference is indeed minimal to maintain accuracy. Remember, alternatives like "marginally bigger" or "a tad larger" can offer similar shades of meaning. With its frequent usage and authoritative backing, "slightly larger" remains a reliable choice for precise size descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Marginally bigger

Emphasizes the small degree of size difference, similar to "slightly".

A tad larger

Uses a more informal term ("tad") to indicate a small increase in size.

Somewhat bigger

Emphasizes the moderate increase in size, suggesting it's not a significant difference.

A bit larger

A more conversational way to express a small increase in size.

Barely bigger

Highlights the minimal nature of the size difference.

Minutely larger

Suggests an extremely small, almost imperceptible, increase in size.

Incrementally bigger

Focuses on the gradual or step-by-step increase in size.

A fraction bigger

Indicates a very small portion of size difference.

Noticeably bigger

Highlights the fact that the size difference is big enough to be noticed.

Comparatively bigger

Implies the size is bigger when comparing to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly larger" to describe a minimal increase in size. For example, "The new office space is "slightly larger" than our previous one" or "The updated version has a "slightly larger" screen".

What are some alternatives to "slightly larger"?

You can use alternatives such as "marginally bigger", "a tad larger", or "somewhat bigger" to express a small increase in size.

Which is correct, "slightly larger" or "a little larger"?

Both "slightly larger" and "a little larger" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them depends on the context and desired level of formality. "Slightly larger" might be perceived as more formal than "a little larger".

What's the difference between "slightly larger" and "much larger"?

"Slightly larger" indicates a minimal size difference, while "much larger" implies a significant difference in size. The key distinction lies in the degree of the size increase. If you want to emphasize that the size isn't substantially big, use "slightly larger". If you want to show that is substantially bigger, use "much larger".