Slightly smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making comparisons between two objects or quantities, indicating a small difference in size. Example: "The new model is slightly smaller than the previous version, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slightly smaller than life-size, it catches a child in a moment of open-mouthed glee.

The New York Times - Arts

Males are very slightly smaller than females.

Cornell University

It's slightly smaller than a pigeon.

The New Yorker

Here it makes them slightly smaller than life.

The Guardian - Books

Let's hope it's slightly smaller than the Z2.

The Guardian - Tech

A plunge in inventories was slightly smaller than previously reported.

The New York Times

The decline was slightly smaller than economists had expected.

The New York Times

We are both of slightly smaller than average size.

The New York Times

The loss was slightly smaller than analysts had predicted.

The New York Times

She is slightly smaller than Gulliver, who is still growing.

The New York Times

The foam is slightly smaller than the square hole and must be level.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing objects, use "slightly smaller than" to indicate a small, but noticeable, difference in size, ensuring clarity and precision in your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly smaller than" when the size difference is actually significant. Use a more accurate comparison if the difference is substantial, like "much smaller than" or "considerably smaller than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Slightly smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to qualify a noun by indicating its size in relation to another object or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Slightly smaller than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase across a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and general descriptions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage for indicating a minor size difference. While alternatives like "a bit smaller than" exist, "Slightly smaller than" provides a clear and precise comparison suitable for many situations. When using the phrase, remember to be truthful about the scale of the difference and avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A bit smaller than

Emphasizes a minor difference in size using more informal language.

Marginally smaller than

Indicates a slight size difference using a more formal tone.

Barely smaller than

Highlights the minimal size disparity.

Slightly less in size than

Rephrases the comparison with a focus on the size aspect.

Just a touch smaller than

Uses figurative language to convey the small difference.

A shade smaller than

Employs a more descriptive and evocative expression.

Minutely smaller than

Stresses the extremely small degree of difference.

Insignificant smaller than

Underlines that the size difference is negligible.

Notably smaller than

Emphasizes a size difference which is easy to notice.

Slightly less voluminous than

Focuses on volume rather than size, implying a small difference in capacity or space occupied.

FAQs

How can I use "Slightly smaller than" in a sentence?

You can use "Slightly smaller than" to compare the sizes of two objects, for example, "This phone is "slightly smaller than" my previous one."

What is an alternative to saying "Slightly smaller than"?

Alternatives include "a bit smaller than", "marginally smaller than", or "just a touch smaller than". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a little smaller than" instead of "Slightly smaller than"?

Yes, "a little smaller than" is a perfectly acceptable and often more informal way of saying "slightly smaller than". Both phrases convey a similar meaning.

When should I use "Slightly smaller than" versus "much smaller than"?

"Slightly smaller than" indicates a small difference in size, while "much smaller than" implies a significant difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of size disparity between the two objects being compared.