a slightly stronger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly stronger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the intensity or degree of something, often in contexts like opinions, flavors, or arguments. Example: "This coffee has a slightly stronger flavor than the one we had yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're benefiting from restructuring, cost reductions, debt reductions and a slightly stronger market environment.

The Guardian - Business

Their meat is bright red, with a slightly stronger taste than conventional beef.

The New York Times - Food

"Although Trump altered some cadences and affected a slightly stronger New York accent, it was clearly him".

The New Yorker

One of his first moves was to seek a place-kicker with a slightly stronger leg than Jay Feely.

The New York Times - Sports

The Senate bill is a slightly stronger version of the House bill, also approved by an impressive majority.

The New York Times

In dealing with Brexit, Merkel has consistently used the German term "Rosinenpickerei" – a slightly stronger equivalent of cherrypicking.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That taught me I could never sit at a darned desk," he said, using a slightly stronger adjective.

The New York Times

For one thing, it tilts the schedules by having superior teams play a slightly stronger schedule the next year.

The New York Times - Sports

At best it is like getting a slightly stronger eyeglass prescription: things are sharper, but the old glasses still work just fine.

The New York Times - Tech

Taken 2 – which earned a warmer 45/100 score at MetaCritic – debuted in October 2012 with a slightly stronger £7.38m, including £1.19m in previews.

The Guardian - Film

The results were a penny better than Wall Street expected on a surge in new license revenue, a slightly stronger economy and improved corporate spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, use "a slightly stronger" to indicate a small but noticeable difference in a specific attribute. For instance, "This coffee has a slightly stronger aroma than the previous blend".

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly stronger" when describing absolute qualities. For example, instead of saying "This metal is a slightly stronger than indestructible," specify the measurable property, like tensile strength, where the slight difference exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly stronger" functions as a pre-modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality to a degree that is marginally greater than another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slightly stronger" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that denotes a marginal increase in a particular attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency across varied contexts, particularly within news, media, and scientific domains. When writing, ensure the context necessitates a subtle comparison, avoiding overuse in absolute statements. Remember, there are many ways to rewrite alternatives and avoid repetition. If you want to mean ""somewhat more powerful"", make sure you do not overuse "a slightly stronger".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat more powerful

Emphasizes the increase in power or capability.

marginally more intense

Highlights a small increase in intensity.

a bit more robust

Suggests a small increase in durability or healthiness.

noticeably more effective

Focuses on a perceptible improvement in effectiveness.

moderately enhanced

Implies a limited improvement or upgrade.

a touch more vigorous

Highlights a small increase in energy or force.

incrementally improved

Shows an upgrade.

a shade more forceful

Suggests an escalation in power.

minimally elevated

Focuses on a light increase.

barely amplified

Implies that only a few parts have been increased.

FAQs

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

Use "a slightly stronger" to indicate a marginal increase in a specific quality or attribute. For example, "The new engine provides "a slightly stronger" boost in acceleration".

What can I say instead of "a slightly stronger"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat more powerful", "marginally more intense", or "a bit more robust" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a slightly stronger" or should I use "slightly more stronger"?

"A slightly stronger" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Slightly more stronger" is redundant because "stronger" already implies a comparative degree.

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

"A slightly stronger" indicates a small difference in intensity or degree, while "much stronger" suggests a significant or substantial difference.