a tick above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tick above" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something that is slightly better or higher than a certain standard or level. Example: "The performance of the new model is a tick above the previous version, making it a worthwhile upgrade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Levels are now just a tick above the long-run average, ANZ's co-head of Australian economics Felicity Emmett said.

The Guardian - Business

"Lo and behold, they added another guy you could view as a tick above those players," Levine said.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a tick above the 2.1 million and 12.7% for the previous weekend's opening episode, which followed a Les Dawson tribute show that averaged 5.3 million viewers.

The Guardian

He cost the Orioles just a tick above the minimum salary.The bullpen for Mr Beane's Athletics featured an even more improbable conversion story.

The Economist

Growth of both production and new orders accelerated to the fastest in the year so far, taking the respective rates of expansion during the second quarter as a whole a tick above those achieved in quarter one".

The Guardian - Business

Price drops may be associated with a tick above or below the dividend, unlike the case of a tick below dividend shown by Bali and Hite's model.

Financial Innovation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But I don't think so; I like to think I am a tick or two above average on the IQ ladder.

Huffington Post

Overall the trim level in the XKR and XK8 have improved a tick or two above those of the last XKs we drove, with the feel of the switches and dials and the fit of the dash all at a level that can compete more readily with Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

Forbes

Seek treatment if you notice any of the above symptoms, especially following a tick bite or after spending time in an area where ticks are common.

WikiHow

No need to be just a few ticks above absolute zero, then.

TechCrunch

The new Civics will feature a dual-motor version that will include Honda's first-ever turbocharged engine, which the company promises will produce "a few ticks above 40 miles per gallon".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tick above" to subtly express that something is marginally better than another, but avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "a tick above" when the difference between two things is significant. This phrase is designed to express minor distinctions, not major improvements or advantages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tick above" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, indicating a slight degree of increase or superiority. Ludwig examples confirm its use in quantifying marginal improvements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tick above" is a phrase used to express a slight improvement or increase. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it can be useful for subtle comparisons, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more precise language is often preferred. Ludwig also provides insights into its register and frequency, helping users understand the contexts where it is most appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly superior

Emphasizes a small degree of advantage.

Marginally better

Highlights a minimal improvement.

A bit higher

Focuses on a small increase in level or amount.

Just over

Indicates exceeding a specific threshold by a small amount.

A shade better

Uses a more figurative term to indicate a slight advantage.

A hair's breadth above

Emphasizes a very small margin of difference.

A smidgen better

Uses an informal term for a small amount.

Minimally exceeding

Highlights the act of surpassing by the smallest degree.

A step up

Indicates an advancement to a slightly improved level.

Barely surpassing

Conveys the idea of just exceeding a particular value.

FAQs

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

Use "a tick above" to indicate a slight improvement or increase. For example, "The new model's performance is "a tick above" the previous one".

What are some alternatives to saying "a tick above"?

You can use phrases like "slightly better than", "marginally superior", or "just over" as alternatives to "a tick above", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tick above" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a tick above" might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language for professional or academic writing.

What does "a tick above" imply about the difference between two things?

A tick above implies that the difference is minimal or slight, rather than substantial or significant.