a slighter amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slighter amount" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when comparing quantities, typically in a context where you want to indicate that one amount is less than another. Example: "After the adjustments, we found that there was a slighter amount of sugar in the recipe than we initially thought."

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The total rate of stock ownership, including indirect holdings, has fallen too but by a slighter amount, owing to the continued popularity of 401(k) retirement plans.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A slight amount of stimulation directed toward the senses may further increase the likelihood of hallucination.

Britannica

I was possibly experiencing a slight amount of panic towards the end of the term.

Independent

To be sure, the requisite level of creativity is extremely low; even a slight amount will suffice.

Harvard University

"A slight amount of insanity might be a good thing for the practice of lexicography," Martin told me.

The New Yorker

In theory, kabinett wines have a slight amount of sweetness and spatlese wines more, but that's not always so.

The New York Times - Food

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) appeared to miss the potential hazards of a slight amount of snow.

The Washington Post

The level required is exceedingly low; "even a slight amount will suffice". The final requirement for copyright protection is fixation in a tangible medium of expression.

Harvard University

And this is an example that often causes a slight amount of difficulty because it seems like when you look at it ought to be.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A spot of blood or a slight amount of moist, yellow material may be present on the diaper or clothing after cord separation.

Stanford University

With a high note, for example, "if any one of the three strings in a note is off a slight amount, it's obvious," Mr. Gilmore said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slighter amount", consider whether a more common alternative like "a smaller amount" or "a slightly smaller amount" would improve clarity and readability.

Common error

Avoid using "a slighter amount" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler, more direct language to suit the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slighter amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced quantity or degree. It quantifies something as being less than some other implied or explicitly stated amount. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used to describe differences in stock ownership or panic levels.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slighter amount" describes a quantity or degree that is somewhat less than another. While grammatically correct, it's less common and can sound more formal than alternatives. Ludwig AI indicates that it sees uses across diverse source types like news, academia and encyclopedias. Consider using simpler alternatives such as "a smaller amount" or "a slightly smaller amount" for enhanced clarity. The Ludwig AI analysis highlights that source authority is generally high with this phrase, even though usage consistency is limited due to the infrequent appearance of this specific phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A slightly smaller quantity

Replaces "amount" with "quantity" and "slighter" with "slightly smaller", focusing on the numerical aspect.

A marginally reduced quantity

Substitutes "slighter" with "marginally reduced", indicating a minor decrease.

A somewhat lesser volume

Replaces "amount" with "volume" and "slighter" with "somewhat lesser", suitable for measurable substances.

A minimally diminished extent

Uses "extent" instead of "amount" and "minimally diminished" for "slighter", implying a small reduction in scope.

A negligibly lower figure

Replaces "amount" with "figure" and "slighter" with "negligibly lower", emphasizing a minor statistical difference.

A tad bit less

Uses a more informal expression, "a tad bit less", to convey a small reduction.

A fractional decrease

Focuses on the change, using "fractional decrease" to indicate a small reduction.

A touch less

Employs "a touch less" for a more colloquial expression of a slight reduction.

A hint less

Uses "a hint less" to suggest a very subtle or almost imperceptible decrease.

A shade less

Uses "a shade less" to convey a subtle difference in quantity or degree.

FAQs

What does "a slighter amount" mean?

The phrase "a slighter amount" means a smaller quantity or degree of something, though the word "slighter" is less common than "smaller" or "slightly smaller".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a slighter amount"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's less frequently used and can sound awkward compared to alternatives like /s/a+slightly+smaller+amount or /s/a+smaller+amount.

When should I use "a slighter amount"?

Use "a slighter amount" when you want to emphasize that one amount is only marginally less than another, but be aware that simpler phrasing is often preferred.

What are some alternatives to "a slighter amount"?

You can use phrases like /s/a+slightly+smaller+amount, /s/a+smaller+quantity, or /s/a+marginally+reduced+quantity depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.