differ by a sliver of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ by a sliver of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small difference or distinction between two things. Example: "The two designs differ by a sliver of color, making one slightly more vibrant than the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But if the arms differ by a sliver of the light's wavelength, then the out-of-kilter overlap sends some light leaking out a perpendicular "dark port".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This time by a sliver of a point to Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Guardian - Opinion

NBC trailed CBS in households by a sliver of a ratings point.

The New York Times

The isle of Portland dangles from here by a sliver of causeway offering ideal walking terrain.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a strange sensation, watching Kenya elect suspected criminal Uhuru Kenyatta as its new President by a sliver of a margin from across the continent.

The New Yorker

Northeastern Belgium is shielded by a sliver of Dutch territory [3] from Germany, home of fashion disasters like the mullet, the woolly moustache and tie-dyed jeans.

The New York Times

A figure moves in the distance, its silhouette barely visible by a sliver of moonlight.

Science Magazine

Part of the Araripe area was covered by a saltwater lagoon from which just over the horizon the African continent loomed, separated by a sliver of the young Atlantic Ocean.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Accel has already more than repaid investors in its fund, merely by selling a sliver of Facebook last November.

Forbes

On the British cover of "While the Women Are Sleeping," by Javier Marías, just a sliver of a figure's face is visible in a mirror.

The New York Times - Books

He realized that television had evolved so that niche shows could succeed by attracting just a sliver of the overall audience, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ by a sliver of" to emphasize that the difference between two things is extremely small or barely perceptible. It adds a touch of nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "differ by a sliver of" when the difference is actually substantial. This phrase is meant to convey a very slight, almost imperceptible difference; using it for larger discrepancies will be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ by a sliver of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent to which two things are dissimilar. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe a very small distinction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science & Research

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differ by a sliver of" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a very small difference between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Science & Research, and Science articles. The phrase carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference you are describing is indeed minimal to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "vary slightly" or "differ marginally" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary slightly

Emphasizes the act of varying, focusing on a minor degree of difference.

differ marginally

Uses 'marginally' to highlight that the difference is at the edge or border of significance.

differ by a hair

An idiomatic expression indicating a very small difference, implying near identity.

differ by a fraction

Focuses on the fractional amount of the difference, suggesting a small proportion.

are barely distinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in telling the difference, emphasizing the subtlety.

are almost identical

Emphasizes the high degree of similarity, with the difference being minimal.

have a subtle difference

Highlights the understated nature of the difference, implying it requires careful observation.

vary by a small amount

A straightforward way of stating that the difference is not significant in quantity.

show a negligible difference

Uses 'negligible' to suggest the difference is so small it can be disregarded.

are nearly the same

Indicates a close resemblance, with the implication that any difference is inconsequential.

FAQs

How can I use "differ by a sliver of" in a sentence?

You can use "differ by a sliver of" to describe a minor difference between two things. For example, "The two proposals "differ by a sliver of" detail in their budget allocation."

What does "differ by a sliver of" mean?

"Differ by a sliver of" means that there is a very small, almost imperceptible difference between two things.

What are some alternative ways to express a small difference?

You can use alternatives like "vary slightly", "differ marginally", or "differ by a hair" to express a small difference.

Is it appropriate to use "differ by a sliver of" in formal writing?

Yes, "differ by a sliver of" can be used in formal writing, although it might be more appropriate to use a more neutral phrase such as "vary slightly" or "differ marginally" in very formal contexts.