a tad above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tad above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small amount above a certain level or standard, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The temperature today is a tad above average for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Unemployment remains a tad above 5%.

The Economist

Are you watching the balance like a hawk to stay just a tad above it?

The New York Times

Experimental quantum computers require exotic materials and work only at a tad above absolute zero.

The Economist

Is "dignified and comfortable" income just a tad above a pension rates?

The Guardian

Hopefully Nikon has something planned because the Leica X1 is just a tad above my price range.

TechCrunch

The term of Uncle Sam's paper has dropped from an average of almost six years, when Ronald Reagan left office, to just a tad above three years today.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This step is the same as above, but a tad bit more time consuming as it take more practice to place a shot grenade instead of a thrown one.

WikiHow

Things have "slowed" recently: Growth last year was a tad below 6% but is expected to be a bit above 6% this year.

Forbes

Landing three places above Serena, but with a screen average that's actually a tad lower, This is Where I Leave You is a similar disappointment.

The Guardian - Film

His movements were a tad stiff, not supple, and he was quite careful when his soldiers lifted him above their heads like a totem.

Johns Hopkins University

This is a tad simplistic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tad above" when you want to convey a slight increase or difference without being overly precise. It adds a touch of informality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a tad above" in formal or professional writing where precision is crucial. Opt for more precise terms like "slightly higher" or "marginally exceeding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tad above" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Ludwig AI shows it is often used to indicate a slight degree or extent, suggesting something is just a little beyond a certain point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tad above" is an adverbial phrase used to indicate something is slightly higher or more than a specific level. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "slightly higher" or "a little over" for greater accuracy. The phrase strikes a balance between informality and clarity, making it useful for everyday communication when a minor increment needs to be expressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly higher

Indicates a small increase in height, level, or amount.

a little over

Expresses a marginal excess beyond a specific value or limit.

marginally exceeding

Highlights that something just barely goes over a certain level.

somewhat beyond

Suggests that something extends a bit further than a certain point.

just a bit more than

Emphasizes that the quantity or level is only slightly greater.

fractionally higher than

Implies a very small increase above a particular benchmark.

barely surpassing

Indicates that something has only just exceeded a particular threshold.

a hair's breadth above

Illustrates that the difference is extremely minimal and almost negligible.

inches above

Indicates a small difference in a visual or spatial context.

a shade over

Indicates a very slight margin above a particular level or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a tad above" in a sentence?

Use "a tad above" to indicate something is slightly higher or more than a certain point. For example, "The temperature is "a tad above" average today."

What's a more formal way to say "a tad above"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "slightly higher", "marginally exceeding", or "a little over" instead of ""a tad above"".

Is it appropriate to use "a tad above" in academic writing?

While ""a tad above"" is acceptable in some contexts, it's generally better to use more precise language in academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "slightly higher" or "marginally greater" for clarity.

How does the meaning of "a tad above" differ from "significantly above"?

"A tad above" implies a small difference, whereas "significantly above" suggests a much larger and more important difference. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.