ever so slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever so slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something in a very small degree or the slightest amount. For example: "The wind was blowing ever so slightly, causing the trees to sway gently in the breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ever so slightly.

The New Yorker

Ever so slightly avuncular?

Independent

Ever so slightly baroque'n'roll.

The Guardian - Arts

Lips were muted ever so slightly.

The New York Times

Allow it to cool ever so slightly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

— ever so slightly on the wallpaperish side.

The New York Times - Arts

I ever so slightly fibbed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She seemed ever-so-slightly nervous.

The New York Times

It's hilarious – and ever-so-slightly uncomfortable.

The Guardian

The first is my (ever-so-slightly biased) preference.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just made ever-so-slightly weird.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so slightly" to add a touch of understatement or sophistication to your writing, particularly when describing subtle changes or emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "ever so slightly" excessively in formal or technical writing, as it can sound too casual or whimsical. Opt for more direct and precise alternatives like "slightly" or "marginally".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which an action or state is performed or experienced. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a minimal change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever so slightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a minimal degree of change or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various writing styles. While suitable for general use, it's essential to consider the context, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings where more direct alternatives might be preferable. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it adds a subtle nuance to descriptions, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly

A more direct and common synonym.

just a bit

Focuses on the small quantity or degree.

a little

Simple and informal way to express a small amount.

somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree, less emphatic than "ever so slightly".

marginally

Implies a small difference or change.

a tad

Informal and concise way to express a small degree.

barely

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the action or state.

in a small way

Highlights the limited impact or extent.

to a small extent

Formal and precise way of indicating a slight degree.

by a hair

Suggests a very narrow margin or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "ever so slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "ever so slightly" to describe something that happens to a very small degree. For example, "She smiled "ever so slightly" when she heard the news."

What phrases are similar to "ever so slightly"?

Alternatives include "slightly", "just a bit", or "somewhat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever so slightly" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ever so slightly" might sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using "to a small extent" or "marginally" instead.

What's the difference between "slightly" and "ever so slightly"?

"Slightly" indicates a small degree, whereas "ever so slightly" emphasizes an even smaller, more subtle degree. The addition of "ever so" enhances the sense of minuteness.