a slight gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight gain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small increase or improvement in a particular context, such as finance, performance, or health. Example: "After implementing the new strategy, we observed a slight gain in our sales figures over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its share price posted a slight gain.

The New York Times

Total short interest showed a slight gain.

The New York Times

Citigroup posted a slight gain while JPMorgan Chase fell.

The New York Times

On the "school-basics" subtests of Information, Arithmetic, and Vocabulary, only a slight gain.

Cornell University

Many convertible holders are eager to sell at a slight gain.

The New York Times

Analysts had forecast a slight gain in revenue of $4.07 billion, according to Thomson Reuters.

The New York Times

Shares of the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service began trading yesterday with a slight gain after their initial public offering.

The New York Times

The Los Angeles Times reported a slight loss, on average, on weekdays and Saturdays, and a slight gain on Sundays.

The New York Times

Reynolds said its share of the retail market averaged 23.56 percent for the quarter, a slight gain.

The New York Times

As you can see, it has been in a tight range for months, with a slight gain.

The Washington Post

Those orders were unchanged in September after only a slight gain in August and steep declines in July and June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight gain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and the nature of the improvement. For example, "The company experienced a slight gain in market share after the new marketing campaign."

Common error

Avoid dismissing "a slight gain" entirely; even small improvements can be meaningful when compounded over time or in competitive situations. Acknowledge the gain and contextualize its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight gain" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a small or modest increase or improvement in something, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight gain" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates a small increase or improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to academic papers. Common usage patterns reveal its prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and academic fields. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being measured and avoid downplaying its potential significance. While it denotes a modest change, the cumulative effect of "a slight gain" can be substantial. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal increase

This alternative emphasizes the smallness of the increase.

a modest improvement

This suggests a small positive change or betterment.

a minor advantage

This highlights a small benefit or edge gained.

a small upswing

This term is particularly suitable when describing a change in a trend.

a gentle rise

This option evokes a gradual and subtle increase.

a fractional growth

Focuses on the very small or divided nature of the gain.

a limited advance

This suggests the increase is restricted or not substantial.

a negligible benefit

Highlights that the gain is so small it is almost not worth mentioning.

a tiny profit

This alternative is best when you are speaking about financial gains.

a hairline edge

This implies the gain is so slim that it is about to disappear.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight gain" to describe a small increase or improvement in various contexts. For example, "The athlete showed "a slight gain" in speed after training" or "The company reported "a slight gain" in profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "a slight gain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a marginal increase", "a modest improvement", or "a minor advantage".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a slight gain"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "a slight gain" and "a significant gain"?

"A slight gain" indicates a small or modest improvement, while "a significant gain" implies a substantial or considerable increase. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.