as slightly as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as slightly as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of minimizing something to the least extent. Example: "Please adjust the settings as slightly as possible to avoid any drastic changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The substrate was acid resistant because of HfO2 ultrathin film which coating the Ag NRs completely would act as protective shell while weakened the SERS effect as slightly as possible.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Generally, normalization is intended to modify the underlying data as slightly as possible, but as much as necessary to remove systematic biases yet to conserve biological relevant information.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The only way to avoid a really smokey fire is to build the initial fire properly, so it quickly burns really hot, and to avoid burning fresh cuttings as much as possible; slightly dry wood, branches and leaves will burn with much less smoke.

Independent

The thickness is up to you but I would aim to cut it as thin as possible, just slightly thicker than a match.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To those who desperately need shipments as soon as possible, the slightly higher cost may be well worth it, in terms of both productivity and antacid tablets.

The New York Times - Tech

Tension has again been rising.Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, once a fierce advocate of hitting back as hard as possible, has slightly eased the siege, while not promising to lift it altogether.

The Economist

For a batch of macadamia and coconut balls, for example, based on this recipe, with the ingredients adapted slightly to mirror as far as possible those found the Macadamia and Coconut Bounce Ball, you're looking at a cost of about £1.15 per 100g, compared to the shop-bought price of £5 per 100g.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place the tomato halves on to the cheese mixture, pushing them down slightly, and fitting in as many as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The same mesh refinement and elements were used on the other models, as best as possible considering their slightly differing geometries.

Applied Adhesion Science

The metaglene was positioned as low as possible and tilted slightly downwards.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The center of motion of the lever arm was aligned as accurately as possible with the slightly changing flexion-extension axis of the knee joint.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as slightly as possible" when precision matters and you want to convey the intention of making the smallest change necessary to achieve a desired outcome. This is especially useful in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where accuracy is paramount.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "as slightly as possible" in informal conversations or casual writing can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as little as possible" or "just a bit" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as slightly as possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which an action should be performed. It indicates that something should be done with minimal intensity or extent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as slightly as possible" is a grammatically sound adverbial modifier used to emphasize the minimization of an action or its effect. According to Ludwig, its function is to convey caution and precision. While correct and effective, it is relatively rare. It's most suitable for formal and scientific contexts where accuracy is paramount. For informal settings, simpler alternatives such as "as little as possible" might be more appropriate. Remember to use "as slightly as possible" when you intend to convey that you're making the smallest change necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as minimally as possible

Replaces "slightly" with "minimally", emphasizing the intention to reduce something to its absolute minimum.

as little as possible

Uses "little" instead of "slightly", focusing on minimizing the quantity or degree of something.

to the smallest extent possible

This alternative emphasizes the limitation to the absolute smallest degree or amount.

to the least degree feasible

Replaces "possible" with "feasible", focusing on what is practically achievable in minimizing something.

with minimal impact

Shifts the focus to the resulting impact, emphasizing that the effect should be as small as achievable.

with the least alteration feasible

Highlights that only the smallest modification that is practically possible has been done.

as imperceptibly as feasible

Stresses that the change should be nearly undetectable, to the degree it's practically achievable.

to a negligible degree

Expresses that the extent is so small it's practically unimportant or not worth considering.

with the slightest modification applicable

Emphasizes the minute nature of the alteration being done.

as barely noticeably as possible

Highlights the almost unnoticeable amount of impact.

FAQs

How can I use "as slightly as possible" in a sentence?

Use "as slightly as possible" to express minimizing an action or its effect. For example, "Adjust the volume "as slightly as possible" to avoid disturbing others".

What are some alternatives to using "as slightly as possible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as minimally as possible", "as little as possible", or "to the smallest extent possible depending" on the context.

Is "as slightly as possible" more formal than "as little as possible"?

Yes, "as slightly as possible" tends to be more formal and is often used in technical or scientific writing where precise language is important. "As little as possible" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

When is it best to use "as slightly as possible" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "as slightly as possible" when you want to emphasize that you are making the smallest change or adjustment that is still effective or permissible. It's particularly useful when describing delicate operations or sensitive settings.