a slightly bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slightly bigger" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is slightly larger in size, amount, or degree. It is typically used before a noun. Example: "He is looking for a slightly bigger apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year later, in 1956, a slightly bigger Taglioni bike captured Ducati's first Grand Prix in a race in Sweden.

The New York Times

The second is a slightly bigger drawback.

The New York Times - Tech

That was a slightly bigger drop than expected.

The New York Times

But I find it hard to resist reaching for a slightly bigger point.

The New York Times

Food will play a slightly bigger role, and the look will be Art Deco.

The New York Times - Food

Hamilton and Gettysburg, among other campuses, also plan to accept a slightly bigger proportion of applicants.

The New York Times

Then you make a slightly bigger shell and roll it out more carefully.

The New York Times - Style

"Maybe it is better to have a slightly bigger meal and not to snack," she said.

The Guardian

In Houston, the Rather family had a slightly bigger house, and went to a Baptist church.

The New Yorker

He and his wife and son moved to a slightly bigger cottage, just outside the village.

The New Yorker

The other gripe is: a) slightly bigger; and b) somewhat inevitable.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slightly bigger" when you want to indicate a small, but noticeable, increase in size, amount, or degree without being overly specific or dramatic. It's best suited when the exact measurement isn't crucial, but the relative increase is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly bigger" when the actual difference is significant. Using it in such cases can mislead your audience into thinking the change is less substantial than it actually is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly bigger" functions as a pre-modifier in a noun phrase. It adds descriptive detail, specifying the degree to which something is larger. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Tech

16%

Science

7%

Less common in

Food

4%

Money

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly bigger" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small increase in size or extent. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently found in news and media, technology, and science, demonstrating its wide applicability. When using the phrase, be mindful of context to avoid overstating the actual difference and consider alternatives like "a little larger" or "marginally larger" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginally larger

Emphasizes that the difference in size is very small or barely noticeable.

a somewhat greater

Indicates a difference that is noticeable but not substantial.

a tad larger

Informal way of saying "a little bigger".

a little larger

A common and straightforward alternative, suggesting a small increase in size.

a shade bigger

Implies a very small difference in size, almost imperceptible.

a smidge bigger

An informal and playful way to express a tiny increase in size.

fractionally larger

Suggests the increase in size is only a small fraction.

barely bigger

Emphasizes the minimal difference in size.

incrementally larger

Highlights the gradual increase in size.

scarcely bigger

Indicates that the increase is so small it's almost not worth mentioning.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly bigger" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly bigger" to describe something that is marginally larger than something else. For instance, "He opted for "a slightly bigger portion" of the cake".

What are some alternatives to saying "a slightly bigger"?

Alternatives include "a bit larger", "a little bigger", or "marginally larger". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a slightly bigger"?

It would be incorrect if the size difference is actually substantial. "Slightly" implies a small difference; if the difference is large, use words like "much", "significantly", or "considerably" instead.

What's the difference between "a slightly bigger" and "a much bigger"?

"A slightly bigger" indicates a small increase in size, whereas "a much bigger" implies a considerable or significant increase. The choice depends on the magnitude of the size difference you want to convey.