a slightly less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one has a smaller degree or amount of something than the other. Example: "This model is a slightly less expensive option compared to the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, a slightly less than placating explanation.

Independent

Mr. Kudlow has struck a slightly less pugilistic tone.

The New York Times

Wenger has spoken to a slightly less croaky Shreeves.

The Guardian - Sport

The Chapar offers a slightly less personal service.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This suggested perhaps a slightly less dire climate situation.

The Guardian

Elsewhere, a slightly less complimentary tone creeps in.

The Guardian - Opinion

He could do a slightly less crazy version.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The drawback would be a slightly less comfortable, stiffer ride.

The New York Times

Oliver's recipe provides a slightly less eruptive alternative.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, write a slightly less bad second draft.

The Guardian

All hopefully preceded by a slightly less controversial leaving party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slightly less", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context provides a reference point for what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "it's a slightly less effective method", specify what it's less effective than.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly less" without a clear point of reference. For example, saying "the new design is a slightly less" is incomplete. Instead, specify what aspect is reduced, such as "the new design is a slightly less complex interface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly less" functions as a comparative qualifier. It modifies an adjective or adverb to indicate a marginal reduction in the degree of the quality being described. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to soften claims or make nuanced comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly less" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to denote a marginal reduction in a specific quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, writers should always provide a clear point of comparison when using this phrase, and should avoid redundant constructions like "a slightly less better". Overall, its frequent usage and contextual adaptability make it a valuable component of English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somewhat smaller

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat", suggesting a more noticeable difference than "slightly" implies.

a marginally reduced

Substitutes "slightly less" with "marginally reduced", implying a minimal degree of reduction.

a minimally diminished

Uses "minimally diminished" instead of "slightly less", indicating a very small decrease.

a tad smaller

Replaces "slightly less" with the more informal "a tad smaller".

a bit reduced

Offers a more casual alternative, using "a bit" instead of "slightly".

somewhat fewer

Changes "slightly less" to "somewhat fewer", suitable for countable items.

a shade under

Replaces "slightly less" with "a shade under", implying a very slight difference.

not quite as

Uses a different structure to convey a similar meaning, indicating something is not as much as something else.

relatively smaller

Replaces "slightly" with "relatively", indicating the difference depends on the frame of reference.

comparatively smaller

Offers a more formal alternative, using "comparatively" to indicate a relative difference in size or degree.

FAQs

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

Use "a slightly less" to indicate that something has a marginally smaller degree of a particular quality compared to something else. For example, "This version is "a slightly less" expensive option".

What are some alternatives to "a slightly less"?

Alternatives include "somewhat smaller", "marginally reduced", or "a bit smaller", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a slightly less better"?

No, "a slightly less better" is redundant and grammatically incorrect. You should use "slightly better" or "a bit better" instead.

What's the difference between "a slightly less" and "a little less"?

"A slightly less" and "a little less" are quite similar. "A little less" is generally considered more informal, while "a slightly less" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.