differ slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ slightly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when referring to two things that are similar, but with slight differences. For example: "Their opinions on the matter differ slightly, but they both agree it should be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Overall, the car delays for different time quanta differ slightly.

Journal of Modern Transportation

These instructions might differ slightly for different versions of PowerPoint.

WikiHow

Their properties differ slightly because of their different ratios.

Heritage Science

The two bills are likely to differ slightly in language, though those differences aren't immediately known.

Huffington Post

Different parties and variations of clerics will differ slightly.

WikiHow

Ladbrokes' odds differ slightly.

The Guardian - Music

The two copies differ slightly.

Cornell University

Their opinions sometimes seem to differ slightly.

The New York Times

Accounts of what happened next differ slightly.

Princeton University

It might differ slightly from the originally published version.

Stanford University

These simplifications might differ slightly from what happens in vivo.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ slightly", ensure that the context provides a clear basis for comparison. This helps the reader understand the specific aspects in which the items being compared vary.

Common error

Avoid using "differ slightly" when the differences are significant or substantial. This can mislead the reader and undermine the accuracy of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ slightly" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities have minor discrepancies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for describing subtle variations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ slightly" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express minor differences between entities. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. While it's essential to avoid overstating the differences, using "differ slightly" effectively can provide clarity and precision in your descriptions. The phrase sees frequent use in contexts like Science (32%), News & Media (30%), and Academia (25%), as extracted from Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show subtle differences

Directly states that differences are subtle.

vary marginally

Indicates a small degree of variation.

diverge subtly

Suggests a delicate divergence or deviation.

deviate minimally

Emphasizes the small extent of deviation.

contrast faintly

Highlights a weak contrast between elements.

disagree imperceptibly

Indicates a nearly undetectable level of disagreement.

distinct faintly

A phrase that highlights a subtle distinction.

fluctuate negligibly

Describes very small fluctuations.

depart scarcely

Implies a minimal departure from a norm or standard.

are barely distinguishable

Highlights that the items are difficult to tell apart.

FAQs

How can I use "differ slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "differ slightly" to indicate that two or more things have small differences. For example, "The two reports "differ slightly" in their conclusions, but both agree on the main points."

What are some alternatives to saying "differ slightly"?

Alternatives to "differ slightly" include "vary marginally", "diverge subtly", or "deviate minimally". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "differ slightly" in formal writing?

Yes, "differ slightly" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and precise way to describe minor differences without exaggeration.

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

"Differ slightly" indicates small, often subtle differences, whereas "differ significantly" implies substantial and important distinctions. Use "differ significantly" when the differences have a notable impact or consequence.