if only slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if only slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true to a small degree or extent, often in a context where a more significant change or difference is desired. Example: "The project improved, if only slightly, after the team implemented the new strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The recipe could change, if only slightly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Labonte's momentum has been slipping, if only slightly.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Mr. Tritle is reorganizing, if only slightly.

The New York Times - Arts

Salt limits were eased, if only slightly, for many people.

Independent

This left him more exposed, if only slightly.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's a look at new laws tugging the nation back, if only slightly, to the left.

The Guardian

The cost of keeping up may soon rise, if only slightly.

The New York Times

But some Republicans in the House said the ground seemed to be shifting, if only slightly.

The New York Times

At 61, he is trying to recast himself, if only slightly.

The New York Times - Sports

But when I put this to him he demurred, if only slightly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The King had been energized, if only slightly, by meeting his subjects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if only slightly" to acknowledge a small degree of change or effect, often when a larger impact is expected or desired.

Common error

Avoid using "if only slightly" when the impact is actually significant. This can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if only slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or degree to which something is true. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if only slightly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a small degree or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It frequently appears in news and media contexts to temper claims or acknowledge minimal progress. While versatile, writers should avoid using it to downplay significant impacts. Alternatives like "if only somewhat" or "if only a bit" offer similar meanings. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if only just slightly

Adds "just" for emphasis, reinforcing the minor degree.

if only a bit

Replaces "slightly" with "a bit", indicating a small amount or degree.

if only a little

Similar to "a bit", "a little" also denotes a small quantity or extent.

even if just a little

Replaces "if only slightly" with "even if just a little", amplifying the sense of concession.

if only somewhat

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a moderate degree.

if only mildly

Uses "mildly" instead of "slightly", emphasizing a gentle or subtle effect.

if only marginally

Employs "marginally" in place of "slightly", highlighting a minimal impact or change.

if only subtly

Replaces "slightly" with "subtly", focusing on the delicate or understated nature of the change.

if only loosely

Substitutes "slightly" with "loosely", suggesting a weak connection or association.

if only moderately

Replaces "slightly" with "moderately", implying a balanced or average level.

FAQs

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

You can use "if only slightly" to indicate a small degree or extent of something. For example, "The team improved, "if only slightly", after implementing the new strategies."

What are some alternatives to "if only slightly"?

Some alternatives include "if only somewhat", "if only a bit", or "even if just a little", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "if only slightly" or "if only a little"?

Both "if only slightly" and "if only a little" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does "if only slightly" imply about the situation?

It implies that there has been a change or effect, but the magnitude of that change is small or barely noticeable. It often suggests a desire for a more significant impact.