a slight variance in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight variance in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing small differences or changes in a particular context, such as measurements, data, or opinions. Example: "The study showed a slight variance in the results between the two groups, indicating a need for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In any highly utilized system, a slight variance in workload can easily move a system from highly utilized and stable to over-utilized and unstable.

Journal of Cloud Computing

A slight variance in GPS coordinates can, for example, lead a driverless tractor into a powerline pole.

Huffington Post

Repeated gestures towards the same object led to a slight variance in endpoint position around the target location [23].

Plosone

Figure  3 a shows how a slight variance in dye content influences the Raman spectra using a 785 nm laser at 5 mW laser power.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even worse--and here, there is a slight variance from Dr. Frank's analysis--was Trump's dishonesty.

Huffington Post

The QoL perception of the study population showed a slight variance within the age group.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Like humans, a slight variance from the normal is not necessarily cause for alarm.

WikiHow

Both WH6725 and MH725 had the degree of chalkiness scored as 1 with slight variance in different field trials (Degree of chalkiness or DC: WH6725, 5.8 ± 5.4%; MH725, 4.7 ± 4.0%) (Table 4).

Rice

Due to the slight variance in ventricle position as well as ventricle deformation across multiple patients, the original MRI template is enlarged via morphological dilation.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Additionally, many factors may influence the number of SLNs and although we controlled for some, many factors were not controlled for by nature of retrospective comparison (such as multiple radiologists performing injections, slight variance in technique).

Annals of Surgical Oncology

In a live at-bat, he can do the bulk of his mental work before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, recognizing the pitcher's grip, analyzing the arm angle and even picking up slight variances in his leg kick in the fractions of a second before a 90-something-mile-an-hour fastball whizzes past the plate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight variance in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared and the nature of the measurement or observation. This adds precision and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight variance in" to describe differences that are actually substantial or meaningful. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Quantify the variance when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight variance in" functions as a modifier, specifically describing the degree of difference or deviation within a given context. It often precedes a noun phrase, qualifying the type of variance being discussed. Ludwig's examples shows how it's used to describe differences in data, opinions, and measurements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight variance in" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing small differences or deviations, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its frequency is uncommon, with primary usage in science, news, and general knowledge contexts. When writing with "a slight variance in", ensure that you are precise in what you're comparing and avoid overselling the significance of the difference. Ludwig shows that the expression is found in reputable sources and is thus considered acceptable for use across various professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor variation in

Replaces "slight" with "minor", emphasizing the small size of the difference.

a small difference in

Uses more common terms to convey the idea of a small distinction.

a marginal difference in

Emphasizes that the difference is barely noticeable or significant.

a subtle change in

Focuses on the change aspect, highlighting its delicate nature.

a negligible deviation in

Stresses that the deviation is so small it's practically insignificant.

a fractional discrepancy in

Implies a very small and quantifiable difference.

a minimal alteration in

Highlights the aspect of alteration while underscoring its restricted extent.

a hair's breadth difference in

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize how close the items are.

an almost imperceptible change in

Emphasizes that the change is difficult to perceive.

a shade of difference in

Uses "shade" to suggest a slight and subtle distinction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight variance in" to describe minor differences between two or more things. For example, "The study showed "a slight variance in" test scores between the two groups."

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

"A slight variance in" refers to a small, often negligible difference, while "a significant variance in" indicates a notable and important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude and impact of the difference you're describing.

Which is more appropriate: "a slight variance in" or "a slight variation in"?

Both ""a slight variance in"" and "a slight variation in" are acceptable. "Variance" often implies a statistical or measurable difference, while "variation" can refer to a broader range of differences.

What are some alternative phrases for "a slight variance in"?

Alternatives include "a minor difference in", "a small change in", or "a subtle variation in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.