a slight degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a small or minimal amount of something, often in contexts related to measurement or intensity. Example: "The temperature increased by a slight degree, making the day feel a bit warmer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even a slight degree of turbidity in drinking water is objectionable to most people.

Britannica

He traded barbs with his twin brother, and even, to a slight degree, Barack Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a slight degree of toxicity to pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (CFU-S) was observed in both treatment protocols.

Leukemia Research

It's largely improvised and poses as a documentary, though to such a slight degree that it hardly matters.

The New York Times - Arts

"The first sensation is a slight degree of nervousness and a feeling of being run away with, but a sense of security soon supervenes and the velocity is delightful," he writes.

The Guardian

According to Dr. Carleton, most heart attacks are not suffered by members of high-risk groups but by people who may have one of the risk factors to only a slight degree.

The New York Times

Now that we know that a social network proprietor can engineer emotions for the multitudes to a slight degree, we need to consider that further research on amplifying that capacity might take place.

The New York Times

"We got requests from many publications, mostly foreign magazines, asking for Damian," said Dirk Standen, the editor in chief of Style.com, a slight degree of remorse detectable in his tone.

The New York Times

By 1913 Catalonia had won a slight degree of autonomy, but the legislation conferring it was repealed in 1925 by Miguel Primo de Rivera, who attacked all manifestations of Catalan nationalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a May 1, 1934, review for the New York Times, the aptly named Mordaunt Hall wrote, "Hitler's methods are scourged by Messrs. Vanderbilt and Hill, but their words would be infinitely more effective if they were endowed with a slight degree of subtlety and a sense of humor".

The New Yorker

A few minutes after they started, the air-raid siren went off — a minute-long blast that warned of approaching planes but indicated to the people of Hiroshima only a slight degree of danger, since it sounded every morning at this time, when an American weather plane came over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight degree", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or qualified. For instance, "a slight degree of improvement" is more informative than just "a slight degree".

Common error

Avoid using "a slight degree" without specifying what it refers to. Overusing the phrase in vague contexts dilutes its impact and can confuse readers. Ensure the subject being qualified is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight degree" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the extent or intensity of an action, state, or quality. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable and correct in written English, serving to denote a minimal quantity or level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight degree" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minimal or subtle amount of something. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable in various writing contexts. Its primary function is to moderate or qualify statements, suggesting that something exists but is not particularly strong or prominent.

It is frequently found in scientific and news-related content, reflecting its neutral tone and utility in describing measured observations or subtle differences. When using "a slight degree", clarity is key, ensuring the context clearly specifies what is being qualified. Alternatives such as ""a minimal amount"" or ""a small extent"" can offer similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "a slight degree" is a reliable and useful phrase for expressing moderation and subtlety in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal amount

This alternative focuses on the small quantity involved.

a small extent

This alternative shifts the focus to the limited range or scope.

a touch

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to convey a slight presence.

a hint

Similar to "a touch", this conveys a subtle indication or suggestion.

a shade

This implies a very small difference or variation.

a trace

This alternative highlights the barely perceptible nature of something.

a marginal level

This alternative emphasizes the edge or boundary of something.

a mild extent

This alternative focuses on the intensity of a phenomenon.

a subtle variation

This alternative underlines the distinction between two similar things.

a negligible quantity

This phrase underscores the insignificance of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight degree" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight degree" to indicate a minimal amount or level of something. For example, "There was "a slight degree" of improvement in her condition after the treatment".

What are some alternatives to "a slight degree"?

Some alternatives to "a slight degree" include "a minimal amount", "a small extent", or "a touch". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "slight degree of" or "small degree of"?

"Slight degree of" and "small degree of" are often interchangeable, but "slight" suggests something subtle, while "small" emphasizes quantity. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. In most contexts they can be used indifferently.

When is it inappropriate to use "a slight degree"?

It is inappropriate to use "a slight degree" when the amount or level is significant or substantial. In such cases, using phrases like "a considerable degree" or "a significant amount" would be more accurate.