a slightly longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly longer" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could say: "This project will take a slightly longer amount of time than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a slightly longer answer, read on.

The Economist

He gave a slightly longer answer.

The New York Times

A slightly longer route starts near the M6.

The Guardian - Travel

The Fed injected $3tn over a slightly longer period.

The Guardian - Business

This will naturally result in a slightly longer stride and a faster pace".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new body is smoother, rounder and about 3 inches longer, with a slightly longer wheelbase.

The New York Times

The French trip over a slightly longer distance takes about three hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

WINE LIST -- A slightly longer than average list dominated by Italian and West Coast American selections.

The New York Times

But I must warn you: this is a slightly longer read than the books above! 1.

The Guardian

Ending up at the Kis Club in Zagreb is a slightly longer story.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As always, it is useful to take a slightly longer-term view.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing durations or lengths, ensure the context clearly establishes what the comparison is being made against. For instance, instead of just saying "the meeting was a slightly longer", specify "the meeting was "a slightly longer" than anticipated".

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly longer" without specifying what it is longer than. Ambiguity can arise if the point of reference is unclear. Always provide a clear comparison to maintain clarity and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly longer" functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun, indicating a marginal increase in length, duration, or distance. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing multiple examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly longer" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a marginal increase in length, duration, or distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While versatile, it is important to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure the comparison is evident. Alternatives like "a bit longer" or "a little longer" exist, offering similar meanings with subtle variations in formality. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginally longer

Replaces "slightly" with "marginally", indicating a similar small increase.

a somewhat longer

Substitutes "slightly" with "somewhat", suggesting a similar degree of difference in length.

a little longer

Uses a more informal term, "little", instead of "slightly".

a tad longer

Replaces "slightly" with "tad", which is an informal synonym.

a shade longer

Uses "shade" to convey a minimal increase, similar to "slightly".

a fraction longer

Emphasizes the small amount of increase using "fraction".

a smidge longer

Replaces "slightly" with the informal term "smidge".

ever so slightly longer

Adds emphasis to the small degree of increase.

just a bit longer

Uses "just a bit" for an informal and minimal increase.

slightly more extended

Replaces "longer" with "more extended" using different wording.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slightly longer" to compare durations, lengths, or distances. For example: "The new route is "a slightly longer" than the old one" or "The presentation took "a slightly longer" time than expected".

What are some alternatives to "a slightly longer"?

Alternatives include "a bit longer", "a little longer", or "a marginally longer depending on the formality and specific context".

Is it better to say "a slightly longer" or "slightly longer"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a slightly longer" is typically used when comparing something to something else, while "slightly longer" can be used as an adjective modifying a noun. For example: "This is "a slightly longer" route" versus "The slightly longer route added five minutes to the journey".

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

"A slightly longer" indicates a small difference in length or duration, while "much longer" implies a significant difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to convey.