but slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small degree of difference or variation in a comparison or description. Example: "The cake was sweet, but slightly too rich for my taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Chic but slightly destroyed".

The New York Times

Concise, but slightly incomplete.

The New York Times - Sports

Interesting, but slightly distracting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's like farro but slightly softer.

The New York Times - Health

I am happy but slightly disappointed".

Independent

"I was interested, but slightly overwhelmed".

The New York Times

Balmy and delightful, but slightly rocky.

The New York Times - Travel

These serve similar, but slightly different functions.

Princeton University

Quite understandable, but slightly exclusive.

The Guardian

It's charming but slightly suspect.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Dybbuk" lures the credulous but slightly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but slightly" to introduce a minor modification or qualification to a statement, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. It's effective for adding nuance without completely negating the initial point.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but slightly" in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives or restructuring your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to qualify or temper a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI states, it introduces a nuance, indicating that while something is generally true, there's a minor exception or variation. It shows the degree of difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but slightly" serves as a versatile adverbial modifier, introducing a touch of nuance to statements across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, indicating a minor difference or qualification. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, science, and general writing. To ensure effective communication, remember to use "but slightly" judiciously and consider alternative phrasings to avoid overuse. By following these best practices, writers can harness the power of "but slightly" to craft precise and nuanced prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if just slightly

Similar to "but slightly", it emphasizes the minimal extent of the difference or modification.

though somewhat

Indicates a degree of contrast, with 'somewhat' suggesting a moderate level of modification.

however subtly

'Subtly' highlights that the difference is delicate and not immediately obvious.

albeit marginally

'Marginally' emphasizes an extremely small degree of difference.

yet barely

'Barely' suggests the difference is at the lowest threshold of perception.

only just

Implies that the difference is minimal and almost negligible.

though just a bit

'A bit' is an informal way of indicating a small quantity or degree.

if only a little

Expresses the smallness of the difference in a more explicit way.

notwithstanding a touch

'A touch' suggests a very slight amount or degree of difference.

with a hint of

Indicates that the characteristic is present in a subtle and understated manner.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but slightly" in a sentence?

Use "but slightly" to introduce a minor contrast or qualification to a statement. For example, "The dish was delicious, but slightly too spicy" indicates that while the dish was good, a small aspect could be improved.

What are some alternatives to saying "but slightly"?

Alternatives include "though somewhat", "albeit marginally", or "however subtly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but slightly"?

While grammatically permissible to start a sentence with "but", beginning a sentence with "but slightly" is less common. It's generally better to integrate it within the sentence to ensure a smoother flow.

What's the difference between "but slightly" and "but significantly"?

"But slightly" indicates a minor difference or degree, whereas "but significantly" indicates a notable or important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the contrast you wish to express.