a slim difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slim difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which two things that are being compared have only a small difference. For example, "There was only a slim difference between each candidate's platforms, making the decision difficult for many voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it's a slim difference in yields for such disparate markets.

The New York Times

Sustained over a year, such a slim difference, less than the consumption of South Korea, has trebled oil prices, to around $30 a barrel.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The result was a fourth draw between the two sides this season, showing the slim difference between them as they chase a Spanish and European double.

BBC

This seemingly slim difference is profound.

The Economist

Despite the slim difference in sales outlook, investors yanked Adobe's shares down 12.7%, or $4.17, to $28.77 in after-hours trading.

Forbes

I'm flattered, but it seems rash to make such a bet on such slim differences.

The New Yorker

At the individual level, the logistic regression revealed a slim between-group difference in change at 12 months in "walking stairs" (OR 2.24, 95%CI 0.94 to 5.31) and in "walking for leisure" (OR 2.07, 95%CI 0.99 to 4.34) in favor of STEP (Table 5).

BMC Public Health

Or consider the difference between a slim early-season zucchini that's all crisp sweet flesh, versus a more fully grown, later-season specimen that has had a chance to grow fatter.

The New York Times - Food

Thus, the intention-to-treat analysis might have had only a slim chance of detecting a true difference between the groups.

BMC Psychiatry

Are there differences in dietary needs between a slim gay man and an aspiring slim straight woman?

The New York Times

"I had only a slim little 1-year postdoc, but it made a huge difference when I was applying for jobs," she says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slim difference", ensure the context clearly indicates what two things are being compared and why the small difference matters. For instance, "Despite a slim difference in projected revenue, the company decided to invest in the new product line."

Common error

Avoid using "a slim difference" to describe situations where the difference is actually substantial or impactful. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your statement. Double-check your data or observations to ensure the difference truly is minimal before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim difference" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a distinction between two or more items being compared. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation in which two things that are being compared have only a small difference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slim difference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe a small or subtle distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that the items being compared have a minimal difference. While not overly frequent, it appears in various contexts like news articles and scientific papers, indicating its versatility. Related phrases, such as "a marginal difference" or "a slight discrepancy", can be used to add nuance. Remember to use this phrase accurately and avoid exaggerating the small nature of the difference being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal difference

Replaces "slim" with "marginal", emphasizing the insignificance of the difference.

a slight discrepancy

Substitutes both "slim" and "difference" with synonyms, focusing on a deviation from what is expected.

a minor variation

Replaces "difference" with "variation" and "slim" with "minor", highlighting a small change or deviation.

a subtle distinction

Emphasizes the delicacy and difficulty in perceiving the difference.

a negligible difference

Highlights that the difference is so small it can be ignored.

a hair's breadth

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a very small margin or difference.

a fine line

Emphasizes the delicate and easily crossed nature of the difference.

a trivial difference

Highlights that the difference is not important or significant.

a delicate nuance

Focuses on the subtle quality of the difference, often in a conceptual or aesthetic context.

an imperceptible difference

Emphasizes that the difference is so small as to be almost impossible to notice.

FAQs

How can I use "a slim difference" in a sentence?

You can use "a slim difference" to describe a small or subtle distinction between two things. For example, "There's "a slim difference" between their proposals, but it could have significant long-term consequences."

What are some alternatives to "a slim difference"?

Alternatives to "a slim difference" include phrases like "a slight difference", "a minor variation", or "a subtle distinction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a slim difference" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim difference" is appropriate for formal writing, as demonstrated by its presence in news articles and academic papers. However, ensure your tone remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "a slim difference" and "a significant difference"?

"A slim difference" indicates a small and often subtle distinction, while "a significant difference" implies a notable and impactful distinction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.