even if slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"even if slightly" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something can happen even if it is only by a small amount. For example, "We could still accomplish our goal even if slightly delayed by the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The wine is nimble, with an attractive peppery quality, even if slightly less complex than the nose implies.

The New York Times - Food

This will offset, even if slightly, Trump's intention to block the global movement of Chinese products through a trade war.

The Washington Post

The flaws have been many, although in some ways they provide Shea with a personality, even if slightly perverse.

The New York Times - Sports

A positive Chinese purchasing managers index in particular helped mining shares move higher, while US and European data showed an improvement, even if slightly less than forecast.

The Guardian - Business

This formula means that each of us believes he is worth something ("being somebody"), that his life has a meaning ("mean something"), that his choices or actions can change something – even if slightly – in this world ("make a difference").

Cornell University

Some economists are probably convinced that their own views, however imperfect, are more accurate than those of the public at large and that more unanimity (even if slightly forced) would increase the profession's policy impact.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Everett's death is changing this attitude, even if only slightly.

The Washington Post

But despite the technical precision, the possibility remains that the electronic probe has been misplaced, even if only slightly.

The New York Times - Science

But Mr. Musgrave worried that such language could weaken norms, even if only slightly, against foreign involvement in American politics.

The New York Times

In politics, players in losing positions can often do better, even if only slightly, by changing their strategy.

The Washington Post

Providing guidelines for consumer-product identification keeps the always looming marketplace at bay, even if only slightly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and formal writing, ensure the context justifies the use of "even if slightly"; avoid overuse in situations where a stronger qualifier is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "even if slightly" to downplay significant effects. Ensure that the context accurately reflects a minor or subtle change, not a substantial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even if slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition under which something is still true, albeit to a small degree. It modifies a verb or clause, adding nuance to the statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even if slightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a conditional situation where something holds true to a small degree. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is commonly found in news, science, and academic writing, serving to add nuance and qualify statements. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a minor or subtle change. Alternatives such as "even if only a little" or "albeit marginally" can be considered for stylistic variation. Its function is to soften statements without negating them entirely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if just a bit

Replaces "slightly" with the more informal "just a bit", softening the tone.

even if only a little

Uses "only a little" to emphasize the small degree of change or impact.

even with a slight change

Focuses on the change itself being small, rather than the overall effect.

even in a small way

Highlights that the action or effect is occurring on a limited scale.

even to a minimal extent

Emphasizes the limited degree of the impact or effect.

even if nominally

Indicates that something is true in name only or to a very small degree.

if only by a hair

Uses a more figurative expression to represent a very small margin.

albeit marginally

Replaces "even if" with "albeit" and "slightly" with "marginally", resulting in a more formal tone.

if only microscopically

Emphasizes the smallness of the degree by using the term "microscopically".

even on a reduced scale

Focuses on the reduced scale of the operation or effect.

FAQs

How can I use "even if slightly" in a sentence?

Use "even if slightly" to indicate that something is true or possible, even to a small degree. For example, "The economy might improve, "even if slightly", next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "even if slightly"?

Alternatives include "even if only a little", "even if just a bit", or "albeit marginally". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "even if slightly"?

While grammatically correct, it can be inappropriate if the actual change is more significant than "slightly" implies. Choose your words carefully to accurately reflect the degree of impact.

What's the difference between "even if slightly" and "even if significantly"?

"Even if slightly" indicates a minor impact, while "even if significantly" indicates a notable or substantial impact. The choice depends on the magnitude of the effect you want to convey.