a shade bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shade bigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly larger than another object or size, often in a comparative context. Example: "I prefer the blue shirt, but I think I need to get it in a shade bigger to ensure a comfortable fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

(A microniche, I imagine, is a shade bigger than a self).

The New York Times - Magazine

And the best way to back the Pharaohs is on the exchanges at around 2.3 (just over 5-4) to win Group A. Egypt play the group outsiders Libya in the opening match of the tournament (and are 1.35 - a shade bigger than 1-3 - to win) and look certainties to pick up three points.

The Guardian - Sport

Zip was a shade bigger than the traditional 3.5-inch floppy, yet it could store 100 megabytes.

Forbes

Dense neutron stars the remnants of supernovae have internal structures that look like piles of waffles just a shade bigger than atomic nuclei, researchers report in a simulation study posted to the arXiv preprint server.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Isn't it always the heart that wants to wash the elephant, begging the body to do it with soap and water, a ladder, hands, in tree shade big enough for the vast savannas of your sadness, the strangler fig of your guilt, the cratered full moon's light fuelling the windy spooling memory of elephant?

The New Yorker

by Sharon Levy Isn't it always the heart that wants to wash the elephant, begging the body to do it with soap and water, a ladder, hands, in tree shade big enough for the vast savannas of your sadness, the strangler fig of your guilt, the cratered full moon's light fuelling the windy spooling memory of elephant?

The New Yorker

Madeleine Peyroux, an artist I've sometimes found a shade impassive on a big stage, was warm, communicative and at her best in the intimate surroundings of Ronnie Scott's Club in April.

The Guardian - Music

A low cost of living even a shade lower than North Carolina's bigger cities certainly helps.

Forbes

A low cost of living--even a shade lower than North Carolina's bigger cities--certainly helps.

Forbes

That gave it a 9.95% stake - a shade ahead of the second biggest holder, the billionaire Joe Lewis.

The Guardian - Business

When Modric joined the club in 2008 for a shade over £16m, he represented the biggest incoming deal of an extremely busy summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shade bigger" when you want to emphasize a minor difference in size, amount, or degree. This phrase adds a touch of nuance and subtlety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a shade bigger" when the difference is significant. This phrase is meant to convey a slight, almost imperceptible increase, not a major transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shade bigger" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a slight increase in size or degree. Ludwig confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a shade bigger" is a grammatically sound and subtly descriptive expression used to indicate that something is only slightly larger than another. Ludwig highlights its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, as well as science and research related content, this phrase provides a nuance that alternatives like "slightly larger" may lack. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "a shade bigger" when the difference is considerable, and it should be substituted for more formal wording if used in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly larger

Emphasizes the small difference in size.

a bit larger

Indicates a marginal increase in size.

marginally bigger

Highlights that the difference is at the margin.

somewhat larger

Suggests a small to moderate increase.

a little bigger

Informal way to express a slight increase in size.

slightly greater

Focuses on a small increase in quantity or degree.

somewhat greater

Expresses a small to moderate increase in amount.

fractionally larger

Highlights that the increase is just a fraction.

barely bigger

Emphasizes the smallness of the difference.

minutely larger

Points out that the increase is minimal.

FAQs

How can I use "a shade bigger" in a sentence?

You can use "a shade bigger" to describe something that is slightly larger than another, for example: "I need a box that's "a shade bigger" to fit all these items".

What's an alternative to saying "a shade bigger"?

Alternatives include "slightly larger", "a bit larger", or "marginally bigger", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a shade bigger"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate a very small difference in size or quantity. For instance, "This room is "a shade bigger" than the other one, making it more comfortable".

Is "a shade bigger" formal or informal?

"A shade bigger" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "slightly larger" or "marginally larger".