ever so slightly easier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever so slightly easier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only a small degree easier than something else, often in a more emphatic or expressive way. Example: "After reviewing the new guidelines, I found the process to be ever so slightly easier than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We are, all of us, ill-equipped to solve the cosmic riddles framed by Mallarmé's work, but acts of sympathetic translation such as Manson's make the challenge ever so slightly easier.

The Guardian - Books

This, however, is what happens ever time technological advances make something ever so slightly easier and a bit more fun.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To make their job ever-so-slightly easier the Health Foundation, an independent charity, has submitted its evidence highlighting the most critical issues on health and social care.

The Guardian

The food can be tasty, and the place fun, so it's easy to forget that this style of dining celebrates the South by ever so slightly condescending to it.

The New York Times - Food

Ever so slightly avuncular?

Independent

Ever so slightly.

The New Yorker

Ever so slightly, there is increasing crossover.

The New York Times - Sports

— ever so slightly on the wallpaperish side.

The New York Times - Arts

Lips were muted ever so slightly.

The New York Times

Allow it to cool ever so slightly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ever so slightly baroque'n'roll.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so slightly easier" to emphasize a subtle improvement or reduction in difficulty, especially when you want to convey a sense of understated relief or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "ever so slightly easier" when the improvement is significant. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the difference is truly minimal to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so slightly easier" functions as an adverbial modifier to the adjective "easier", intensifying the degree to which something is easy. It indicates a subtle or marginal improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ever so slightly easier" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that highlights a marginal improvement or reduction in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms the proper usage of the phrase in written English. While not extremely common, its primary context lies within news and media sources. When using this phrase, consider whether a subtle understatement is your intention. If so, "ever so slightly easier" is a good choice; otherwise, consider alternatives like "a bit easier" or "marginally easier".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tad easier

Replaces "ever so slightly" with "a tad", indicating a small degree.

marginally easier

Uses "marginally" to emphasize the small degree of ease.

slightly less challenging

Shifts focus from ease to the reduction of challenge.

a bit easier

Uses a more informal "a bit" instead of "ever so slightly".

somewhat easier

Employs "somewhat" to indicate a moderate degree of ease.

a little easier

Replaces "ever so slightly" with the more common "a little".

barely easier

Highlights the minimal difference in ease.

imperceptibly easier

Emphasizes the almost unnoticeable difference in ease.

minimally easier

Uses "minimally" to stress the small amount of increased ease.

fractionally easier

Highlights the small fraction by which something is easier.

FAQs

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

You can use "ever so slightly easier" to describe something that has become marginally less difficult. For example: "After the update, the process became "ever so slightly easier"."

What phrases are similar to "ever so slightly easier"?

Similar phrases include "a bit easier", "marginally easier", or "slightly less challenging", all indicating a small degree of reduced difficulty.

Is "ever so slightly easier" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ever so slightly easier" is more suited for neutral to informal contexts. More formal alternatives like "somewhat easier" or "marginally easier" might be preferred in formal writing.

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

The phrase ""ever so slightly easier"" emphasizes the subtlety of the improvement more strongly than simply saying "slightly easier". The "ever so" adds a degree of understatement.