a notch over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notch over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that is slightly better or superior compared to something else. Example: "This model is a notch over the previous version in terms of performance and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I've got a quiet goal of picking it up a notch over the second half of the season," Houston said.

The New York Times - Sports

"With multiple spacewalks planned and multiple components to attach, we're taking the level of complexity up a notch over the past few station construction flights".

The New York Times - Science

Box office sales are also up a notch over last season, with a 4percentt increase thus far in the first two weeks.

The New York Times

Yet even from this high base, there is some evidence to suggest that Americans have taken self-approval up a notch over the past few decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As if the drug war needed ramping up a notch: the over-hyped narco-terrorism construct looks set to become yet another foot-shooting move in the fight against those most elusive enemies, drugs and terror.

Vice

Furthermore, we show that the ectopic co-expression of dpn with E spl m3 or E spl mγ could reproduce, although at a weaker level, many of the Notch over-expression effects, whereas the simultaneous loss of function of dpn and E spl)C mimics most of the effects produced by the Notch signalling insufficiency.

Biology Open

The Celtics organization has long embodied the term "Celtics family," and Ainge took that organizational culture up a notch when he took over the basketball operations job in a place where he and his family literally grew up.

Huffington Post

A poll for the New York Times found that twice as many Americans reckon that their chances of moving up a notch have improved over the past 30 years than think their chances have gone down.

The Economist

My anxiety level up a notch or two, I drifted over to Paul Stuart.

The New York Times

They kick your cocktail up a notch, but simply poured over ice, they remind us why Europeans love a predinner aperitif.

Forbes

Start with a leisurely cruise around Lake Baikal then kick things up a notch as you fly over the surface at up to 70kmph.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notch over" to subtly suggest improvement or advancement without exaggeration. For instance, instead of stating a product is significantly better, describe it as "a notch over" its predecessor to convey a modest enhancement.

Common error

Avoid using "a notch over" to describe substantial improvements or transformations. This phrase is best suited for describing subtle enhancements; for more significant changes, consider phrases like "a significant leap" or "a complete overhaul".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notch over" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb phrase to indicate a slight degree of superiority or advancement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a modest improvement rather than a substantial change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a notch over" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a slight improvement or difference. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news and media. While the phrase is generally acceptable, in very formal or scientific contexts, more precise alternatives may be preferred. When using "a notch over", ensure the context calls for a subtle comparison, avoiding its use when describing significant changes. Remember, this phrase should be used to communicate a small step up, not a giant leap.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit better than

Directly indicates a marginal improvement, focusing on the comparative aspect.

slightly superior to

Emphasizes a minor degree of superiority in quality or status.

a shade above

Uses "shade" to suggest a subtle difference in level or quality.

a cut above

Implies a more noticeable difference in quality or performance.

a step up from

Highlights the idea of advancement or progress to a higher level.

marginally higher than

Formally expresses a slight increase or elevation in comparison.

a touch better than

Uses "touch" to convey a small degree of improvement or advantage.

somewhat exceeding

Suggests that something surpasses a certain level to a limited extent.

incrementally greater than

Emphasizes a gradual or stepwise increase in magnitude.

a degree above

Uses "degree" to specify a subtle difference in measurement or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "a notch over" in a sentence?

Use "a notch over" to indicate a slight improvement or difference. For example: "This year's model is "a notch over" the previous one in fuel efficiency".

What can I say instead of "a notch over"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit better than", "slightly superior to", or "a shade above" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a notch over" in formal writing?

While "a notch over" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "marginally higher than" or "incrementally greater than" in formal or academic contexts.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a notch over"?

Avoid using "a notch over" when describing significant or dramatic changes. This phrase is best suited for subtle improvements or differences. Instead use phrases like "a significant leap".