a slight overlap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight overlap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state of two objects or ideas that share some characteristics but are not significantly similar. For example: "There is a slight overlap between the two departments in terms of their responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There was a slight overlap between campaigners and party officials, but media matters are now in the party's hands.

The Guardian

But they moved into management after retiring from performance careers, or with a slight overlap in the case of Ms. Sills.

The New York Times

With its three strips of 35-millimeter film projected side by side with a slight overlap on a gigantic, curved screen, Cinerama offered six times the resolution — which is to say, six times as much visual information — of the standard film of 1952, when it was first used commercially.

The New York Times

For the smallest lesions both cluster were positioned close by, resulting in a slight overlap of SPCCT imaging features of HCC and normal liver (Fig. 5e).

European Radiology Experimental

Stereo images rely on a slight overlap of the image to create depth, but the ways to view them have evolved from two sheets in a viewing box to the more recent 3-D glasses.

TechCrunch

In the charts that correspond to these two parameters, there is only a slight overlap between the results obtained by the systems that employed these processing schemes and the results obtained by the systems that did not.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

However, signature analysis together with Figure 5 shows a slight overlapping of those variables in the areas of low vector and dog densities.

BioMed Research International

In fact, we note a very slight overlap in the scaffold space of lead libraries and these datasets as discussed above.

Journal of Cheminformatics

We did not detect any conclusive co-localization with any marker for YFP Myosin XI-17-tail, though occasionally there were a few slight overlaps with Golgi stacks.

BMC Plant Biology

There was also slight overlap from a negatively worded Energy item though it loaded far more strongly on the third factor.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

A CCA score of 0 5 is considered slight overlap, 6 10 moderate, 11 15 high and >15 very high [ 24].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a slight overlap", ensure the context clearly defines what is overlapping. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "a slight overlap". If the intersection is truly minor, consider if it's even worth mentioning or if more precise language is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight overlap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing numerous examples where the phrase describes a minimal degree of intersection or commonality between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight overlap" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minimal intersection or commonality between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is frequent across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news publications. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately represents the degree of overlap and to avoid exaggerating its significance. Alternative phrases like "a small degree of intersection" or "a limited intersection" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small degree of intersection

Focuses on the idea of intersection between two or more items, but emphasizes the limited size of it.

a limited intersection

Stresses that the area of overlap is restricted or not extensive.

a partial correspondence

Highlights the aspect of similarity or agreement, yet acknowledges that it's not complete.

a marginal intersection

Indicates the intersection is so small it's almost negligible.

a limited commonality

Emphasizes the shared characteristics or qualities are few.

a loose association

Suggests a connection that is not strong or clearly defined.

a superficial resemblance

Points out a similarity that is only on the surface and not deeply rooted.

a passing similarity

Highlights that the resemblance is brief or not particularly significant.

a touch of convergence

Indicates a subtle coming together or aligning of ideas or items.

a hint of connection

Suggests there's only a slight indication of a relationship or link.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight overlap" to describe two or more things that share some characteristics but are mostly distinct. For example, "There is "a slight overlap between" the duties of the two departments."

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

"A slight overlap" indicates a minimal degree of shared characteristics or intersection, whereas "a significant overlap" suggests a substantial degree of shared characteristics or intersection.

What are some alternatives to "a slight overlap"?

You can use alternatives like "a small degree of intersection", "a limited intersection", or "a partial correspondence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight overlap" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight overlap" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe a partial intersection. However, ensure that the context is clear and the degree of overlap is accurately represented.