a trifle more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifle more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small amount or degree of increase in something, often in a somewhat formal or literary context. Example: "I would appreciate it if you could add a trifle more sugar to my tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The yummy butterscotch pudding is a trifle more demanding, needing a batch of caramel.

The New York Times - Food

This was less successful than the other two when tried on my readers, being a trifle more obscure and mystifying.

The Guardian - Books

The pulse rate is a trifle more rapid during pregnancy, reflecting the more rapid heartbeat that is necessary in order to move the larger volume of blood present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For those who dread the cold and lonely holidays, perhaps the recognition of this common human bond will make the season just a trifle more bearable.

The New York Times

Giving up for ever is a trifle more difficult, apparently, and it is well known that it is much more difficult for some people than for others.

The Economist

Cinema-goers are cheerfully shelling out three or four dollars extra to see films in 3-D, even though those movies cost only a trifle more to produce.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The threshold model was a trifle of more accurate in some cases (Table 3).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

The added substantiality makes Mr. Noble's landscape a trifle cruder and more present.

The New York Times - Arts

This communiqué is a trifle stronger and more precise than the previous warnings on the subject.

The New York Times

Everything about Christmas seemed a trifle overdone, certainly more lavish than anything we were used to at home, in Holland — the mistletoe, the ubiquitous holly, the candles, and especially, in the large drawing room looking out onto the garden, the Christmas tree, whose opulence, like so much else, might be slightly magnified by memory, but not much.

The New Yorker

Everything about Christmas seemed a trifle overdone, certainly more lavish than anything we were used to at home, in Holland the mistletoe, the ubiquitous holly, the candles, and especially, in the large drawing room looking out onto the garden, the Christmas tree, whose opulence, like so much else, might be slightly magnified by memory, but not much.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifle more" when you want to express a subtle degree of difference or addition, particularly in formal or literary contexts. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "a bit more" or "slightly more".

Common error

Avoid using "a trifle more" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a little more" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifle more" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a slight increase or degree. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying adjectives and verbs to express a subtle augmentation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifle more" is a useful phrase for indicating a subtle increase or difference. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, though more suited to formal or neutral contexts than casual speech. While phrases like ""a little more"" or ""slightly more"" serve as alternatives, "a trifle more" adds a touch of sophistication to your writing or speech. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone when choosing between these options to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit extra

Indicates a small additional quantity or degree.

slightly greater

Emphasizes a small increase in magnitude or amount.

a touch more

Signifies a delicate or subtle addition.

a shade more

Implies a minimal difference or increase.

a little further

Suggests a small advancement or extension.

somewhat increased

Highlights a moderate rise or enlargement.

marginally higher

Focuses on a minimal elevation or augmentation.

barely exceeding

Indicates just surpassing a certain level.

scarcely above

Conveys being only slightly over a specified point.

fractionally greater

Underlines an extremely small increment.

FAQs

How to use "a trifle more" in a sentence?

You can use "a trifle more" to indicate a slight increase or addition. For example, "Could you add "a little more" sugar to my coffee?" or "The task proved "slightly more" challenging than anticipated".

What can I say instead of "a trifle more"?

Alternatives include "a bit more", ""slightly more"", ""a little more"", or "somewhat more", depending on the context and the degree of formality you wish to convey.

Is "a trifle more" formal or informal?

"A trifle more" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, it's often more natural to use phrases like ""a little more"" or "a bit more".

What is the difference between "a trifle more" and "a little more"?

Both phrases indicate a small increase, but "a trifle more" is more formal and suggests a subtler difference than ""a little more"", which is more common in everyday conversation.