a slightly higher than normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly higher than normal" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is slightly above or above average or the expected level. Example: The temperature today is a slightly higher than normal, reaching 85 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the usual 80 degrees.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The almanac portends a mild winter with a slightly higher than normal snowfall for the New York region.

The New York Times

Plants in general are very sensitive to copper toxicity, the effect of its presence at a slightly higher than normal level leads to metabolic disturbances and growth inhibition (Fernandes and Henriques 1991; Hajiboland and Hasani 2007).

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

A total of 15 of the 26 storms became typhoons, a slightly higher than normal proportion.

Wikipedia

However, the patients in the high-vitamin D3treatment group showed a nearly normal mean level of 25(OH D (29 ng/ml) and those in the low-vitamin D3treatment group exhibited a slightly higher than normal mean level of 25(OH D (37 ng/ml) at baseline.

Dermato-Endocrinology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In conclusion, while the possibility of a SRB level slightly higher than normal in 2000 cannot be ruled out, the absence of undeniable evidence and the uncertainty prevailing over available sources has led us to assume sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam to be close to expected biological values in the 1990s.

Plosone

During 2005/06, adults fed at higher rates during an interval of slightly higher than normal sea-surface temperature (i.e., ∼1°C) (Fig. 2a).

Plosone

That night, Mr. Bashy, chef and owner of the Minnow in Park Slope, sold 67 meals -- for a Thursday, he said, slightly higher than normal -- in a dining room that seats 40.

The New York Times

To accommodate his 6-foot-9 frame, he built a kitchen in which everything is slightly higher than normal.

The New York Times

Hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) has a portal venous phase enhancement that is equal to or slightly higher than normal liver tissue.

Cancer Imaging

While inventories are slightly higher than normal, he says the first-quarter sales dip was a matter of 1,500 bikes one day of sales.

Forbes

While inventories are slightly higher than normal, he says the first-quarter sales dip was a matter of 1,500 bikes one day of sales–and geographically corresponded closely with bad-weather patterns.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slightly higher than normal", ensure the context provides a clear baseline for comparison. For instance, specify what is considered 'normal' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly higher than normal" when the difference is negligible or statistically insignificant. Quantify the difference whenever possible to provide a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly higher than normal" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its value or level is somewhat above what is considered typical or average. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's used to describe something marginally exceeding the expected level.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly higher than normal" is a grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe something that is marginally above the expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. While the phrase is relatively common in both scientific and news contexts, it's crucial to provide a clear baseline for comparison to avoid ambiguity. When using this phrase, avoid overstating the significance of the difference and quantify it whenever possible for increased precision. Alternatives such as "somewhat above average" or "moderately exceeding the norm" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Just over normal levels

Directly indicates the position relative to the normal benchmark.

Somewhat above average

Emphasizes the deviation from the average, using a simpler vocabulary.

Barely exceeding the average

Stresses the minimal difference compared to the average value.

Marginally greater than usual

Highlights the small extent of the increase, maintaining a neutral tone.

Moderately exceeding the norm

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a departure from the standard.

Slightly exceeding expectations

Focuses on the outcome being a little better than anticipated.

Incrementally higher than the baseline

Employs a technical tone to describe a small rise from a reference point.

A tad more than typical

Employs a colloquial expression to convey a slight increase.

A bit beyond the standard

Offers a straightforward way to indicate a small surplus.

A hair above the ordinary

Uses a figurative expression to describe a minimal increment.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly higher than normal" in a sentence?

You can use "a slightly higher than normal" to describe a value or level that is just above what is typically expected, for example, "The fever caused a temperature "slightly higher than normal"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a slightly higher than normal"?

Consider using alternatives like "somewhat above average", "moderately exceeding the norm", or "a bit beyond the standard" to express a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "slightly higher than normal" or "a slightly higher than normal"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a slightly higher than normal" is more common when describing a specific instance or measurement. The choice depends on the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "a slightly higher than normal" and "significantly higher than normal"?

"A slightly higher than normal" indicates a small difference from the average, while "significantly higher than normal" suggests a much larger and more important difference.