a slightly further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly further" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form would typically be "a slightly farther" when referring to physical distance or "a slightly further" when referring to figurative distance or extent. Example: "We need to walk a slightly further distance to reach the viewpoint."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Furthermore, a slightly further increase in severity would lead to cardiac arrest, having a mortality of at least 70%, and eventually lead to sudden death.

Insights into Imaging

Now in the town of Hurley, NY 28A continues to follow the irregular reservoir shoreline to the northeast, but on a slightly further inland alignment than before.

Wikipedia

For the present subject group, one could also conclude that it is more cost-effective to just continue metformin plus basal insulin glargine, because overall glucose control at the end of the study has significantly improved in all three groups, with a slightly further improvement only seen for the addition of exenatide given to titrated insulin glargine plus metformin.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Favor Hamilton doesn't describe her decision to work as an escort as a sharp left turn but as a venture slightly further down a road she had already travelled.

The New Yorker

Only instead of being enthralled by California's gas-guzzling highway system and ever-expanding suburbs, they're considering a city slightly further north, one well-known for sustainable planning: "They love Portland," says Song. "Portland is a really great model".

The Guardian

"We believe there is an alternative route and we presented that throughout the consultation process as a route slightly further north.

BBC

She does a little skip and a dance, moves slightly further away, and again gives me that very superior look as if to say: 'You poor little git, you!'.

Huffington Post

But the party will vacate the premises at the end of this week and move to a new office slightly further from parliament.

The Guardian

By 1909, the wharf had been replaced by a landing stage slightly further downstream, which was also served by the railway.

Wikipedia

A tropical storm warning was issued for a stretch of coast slightly further east than the area covered by the preceding watch, and a hurricane watch was issued for the central section of this region.

Wikipedia

The earpiece has also undergone a makeover, and seems to be a bit bigger and slightly further up the phone than it is on the Atrix.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical distance, consider using "farther" instead of "further". For abstract advancements, rephrase to use "slightly more advanced" or "a bit more developed" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "further" when referring to literal, measurable distances. "Farther" is the more appropriate term for physical distance. For example, use "a slightly farther distance" instead of "a slightly further distance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly further" acts as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes a degree or extent. The word "slightly" qualifies or softens the impact of "further", indicating a small increment or progression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly further" is used to indicate a marginal increase or progression. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as not correct in standard English usage and suggests using "farther" to express physical distance. While examples can be found across various sources, including news and scientific domains, it's important to consider the specific context and choose the most grammatically appropriate term, such as "a bit more" or "a little further", depending on whether you are referring to physical distance or a figurative extent. Given these considerations, writers should exercise caution and strive for greater clarity in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginally greater

Emphasizes a small degree of increase using "marginally" instead of "slightly".

a tad farther

Uses the more informal "tad" and "farther", focusing on distance.

a bit more distant

Highlights the aspect of distance, whether physical or metaphorical.

a little advanced

Focuses on progression or advancement in a sequence or process.

a shade more ahead

Indicates a slight advantage or leading position.

a touch more improved

Highlights a minor enhancement or betterment.

a hair's breadth beyond

Emphasizes a very small increment of surpassing or exceeding.

a whisper more extended

Focuses on the idea of something being prolonged or stretched slightly.

a small step onward

Emphasizes forward movement with a minor increment.

a trace more developed

Highlights slight progress or growth in sophistication.

FAQs

Is it correct to use "further" to describe physical distance?

While "further" is generally used for metaphorical or abstract extensions, "farther" is typically preferred when describing actual physical distances. Thus, "a slightly farther distance" is usually more appropriate than "a slightly further distance".

What are some alternatives to "a slightly further"?

You could use phrases like "a bit more", "a little further" (if referring to a non measurable progression or advance), or "a little farther" (if referring to physical distance).

Which is correct, "a slightly further increase" or "a slightly farther increase"?

In this context, "a slightly further increase" is correct because you are describing a degree of increase, not a physical distance. "Further" is used for non-physical extents.

How can I use "a slightly further" in a sentence correctly?

Use "a slightly further" when you want to describe something that has been extended to a small degree. For example: "If we invest more time, we could achieve "a slightly further improvement"".