expanded slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expanded slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minor increase or enhancement in size, scope, or detail of something. Example: "The report was expanded slightly to include additional data that supports our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Cheerleaders could rejoice that it has expanded slightly faster than most people had expected.

The Economist

Expanded slightly, 12 14 p.m. | As some readers know, I'm a performing songwriter in spare moments.

The New York Times

Brain size had expanded slightly by this time but was still significantly smaller than that of H. sapiens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Institute for Supply Management said on Wednesday that manufacturing in the United States expanded slightly in December.

The New York Times

Much has been made of the fact that, for the first time since 2011, the euro zone's economy expanded slightly in the second quarter of this year.

The New Yorker

At Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, a kiosk to sell the collected Phillies memorabilia has been expanded slightly this season, to 8 feet by 10 feet.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They will expand slightly and get nice and brown.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The W-League needs to stay as it is, though possibly expand slightly.

The Guardian - Sport

Air is gently pumped into the body, making it contract and expand slightly, as if laboring to breathe.

The New Yorker

The biggest surprise here, astronomers said, is that the universe is expanding slightly more slowly than previous measurements had indicated.

The New York Times - Science

Expanding and nonshrinking cements expand slightly on hydration, thus offsetting the small contraction that occurs when fresh concrete dries for the first time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expanded slightly" to denote a minor increase without exaggerating the extent of the growth or change. It's suitable when precision is not critical but indicating direction is.

Common error

Avoid using "expanded slightly" when the increase is actually substantial. Overusing this phrase can diminish the impact of more significant growth when you need to describe it later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanded slightly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a minor increase in size, scope, or degree. It's frequently found describing changes that are not dramatic but still worth noting, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expanded slightly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a minor increase or growth. According to Ludwig, the phrase is prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "expanded slightly", ensure that the increase you're describing is indeed minor to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "increased marginally" or "grew incrementally" can be used for similar effect. Steer clear of this phrase when describing substantial changes to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased marginally

Focuses on the small degree of increase.

grew incrementally

Highlights the gradual nature of the expansion.

enlarged a bit

Uses more informal language to express a minor increase in size.

extended marginally

Suggests the increase was in length or scope.

increased a little

A simple and direct way to describe a small increase.

developed modestly

Emphasizes the limited extent of the development.

progressed subtly

Highlights the slight and almost imperceptible nature of the change.

advanced gradually

Emphasizes the slow and steady pace of the expansion.

swelled a trifle

Uses more figurative language to imply a small increase in size or volume.

bloomed gently

Suggests a delicate and gradual unfolding or growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "expanded slightly" to describe a small increase in size, scope, or degree. For instance, "The company's market share "expanded slightly" this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "expanded slightly"?

Alternatives include "increased marginally", "grew incrementally", or "enlarged a bit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "expanded slightly" in formal writing?

Yes, "expanded slightly" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to convey a precise sense of a small increase. However, more formal synonyms like "increased marginally" may be preferred.

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

"Expanded slightly" indicates a minor increase, while "expanded significantly" implies a substantial or noteworthy increase. Using the correct phrase is crucial for accurately representing the extent of the change.