a slight expansion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight expansion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small increase or growth in size, scope, or detail of something. Example: "The report includes a slight expansion of the previous findings to provide more context."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is a slight expansion of Vernonia.

The New York Times

Japan's economy did better than thought in the last quarter of 2012, eking out a slight expansion instead of shrinking.

The Guardian - Business

The Drought Monitor: There has been a slight expansion of severe drought in central NY and moderate drought in the Hudson Valley.

Cornell University

The autogenous shrinkage mainly occurred during steam curing, and a slight expansion behavior was observed after steam curing.

Construction and Building Materials

For Republicans, the Nov. 27 runoff is a chance for a slight expansion of their majority in the Senate, their one bright spot in this year's midterm elections.

The Washington Post

Towards the end of charge there is a contraction along the c-axis and a slight expansion along the a- and b-axes.

Journal of Power Sources

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Leave a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) space between the bamboo floorboards and the wall to allow for any slight expansion of the floorboards.

WikiHow

Except for a slight midriff expansion, his body is still lean, his face unlined.

The New York Times - Sports

Near the cmc, the binding of the surfactant onto a polymer chain induced a slight chain expansion, but surprisingly the specific viscosity diminished.

Polymer

The generating of AFt results in a slight volume expansion, which compensates the shrinkage and contributes to the good volume stability of RBCB.

Construction and Building Materials

Furthermore, we recognized a slight lateral expansion of the earthquake alignment in the NNW SSE direction just after the eruption (Fig. 6a).

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or trends, use "a slight expansion" to accurately represent small increases without overstating the growth. It conveys precision and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight expansion" when the increase is substantial. Overusing this phrase can undermine the credibility of your analysis if the growth is actually significant. Use more accurate terms like "considerable growth" or "significant increase" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight expansion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an increase or broadening that is small or barely perceptible, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight expansion" effectively communicates a minor increase in size, scope, or degree across various domains. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed in both scientific and journalistic contexts. While alternatives like "a minor increase" or "a small growth" exist, "a slight expansion" emphasizes a barely perceptible change. When using this phrase, ensure that the expansion is indeed minimal to maintain accuracy and credibility. Avoid exaggerating growth and select alternative phrases if the increase is substantial. The phrase sees frequent use in Science, News & Media, and Academia. Remember, clear communication hinges on precise word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor increase

Focuses on the increment being small or of little importance.

a small growth

Emphasizes the gradual development in size or amount.

a marginal rise

Indicates a minimal upward movement or change.

a modest development

Highlights the limited nature of the progress or advancement.

a limited extension

Stresses the restricted scope of the broadening.

a gentle augmentation

Suggests a soft and subtle addition or increase.

a fractional increment

Highlights the extremely small size of the increase.

a minimal amplification

Focuses on how the increase in amplitude or intensity is almost unnoticeable.

a shade of increase

Expresses that something almost imperceptible has grown.

a touch of broadening

Emphasizes the delicate aspect of becoming wider in range.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight expansion" to describe a small increase in size, scope, or quantity. For example, "The company reported "a slight expansion" in its market share this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a slight expansion"?

Alternatives include "a minor increase", "a small growth", or "a marginal rise", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a slight expansion" or "a small expansion"?

Both "a slight expansion" and "a small expansion" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on your preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Slight" emphasizes a barely noticeable change.

In what contexts is "a slight expansion" commonly used?

"A slight expansion" is frequently used in scientific, business, and news reporting to describe small increases in data, economic activity, or physical dimensions.