if very slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if very slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a minimal degree of change or difference in a particular context. Example: "The temperature increased, if very slightly, over the course of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

14...Nf6 Sane if very slightly submissive.

The Guardian - Sport

Click here to listen After playing a heart-stoppingly brilliant version of his understated track Retrograde, it would only seem right for the Mercury prize winner to be joined on stage by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for his excellent, if very slightly oompa loompa-y, rendition of Bills Bills Bills.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bring your lower lip in very slightly.

WikiHow

Gasp slightly (as in very slightly) before each sentence.

WikiHow

At $20.8 million, the animal, cast in an edition of eight, somehow exceeded, if only very slightly, an estimate that had seemed absurdly ambitious.

The New York Times - Arts

There is, however, one problem raining on their SureType parade: the trackball at the center of the face of the phone silences the ringer, even if moved very slightly.

TechCrunch

The average satisfaction score for this year's car rental experience was 830 points, which is four points higher than last year and suggests that overall, the car rental experience is improving for all travelers year-over-year – even if only very slightly.

Forbes

If it burns very slightly underneath in patches, that's good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a series of connected sketches, it's more than passable entertainment, but the whole thing feels slightly underplayed compared to some previous McKay-Ferrell instalments, as if confidence is very slightly lacking in some vital departments.

The Guardian - Film

Rather, the stridency lay more with the first violin, which sounded as if it was very slightly, but consistently, out of tune, despite Ms. Comparone's lusty efforts to support it.

The New York Times - Arts

It would have been far more convenient if Microsoft had very slightly overbuilt Surface units, so that every person who wanted one could have bought one and we would have a full-sales figure for Surface revenue.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if very slightly" to convey a nuance where a small change or difference is important to acknowledge, even if it seems insignificant. This is especially useful in technical writing or detailed descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "if very slightly" when the difference or change is genuinely substantial. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if very slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or degree to which something is true or has changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to qualify a statement, indicating a minimal or almost imperceptible difference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "if very slightly" is grammatically sound and functions to indicate a minimal degree of change or qualification. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage and applicability. It appears in a range of contexts, most notably in news and media, and wiki sources. Although the phrase is not overly common, its usefulness in conveying precision and nuance makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to avoid overstating the significance when using this phrase and explore related alternatives like "even if slightly" or "if only marginally" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if slightly

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the 'even if' condition.

if only marginally

Emphasizes the small degree of difference or impact.

if just a bit

Indicates a small quantity or degree.

even if minimally

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the extremely small degree.

if somewhat

Suggests a slight or moderate degree.

if barely

Implies that something is only just achieved or noticed.

if negligibly

Highlights that something is so small it's almost not worth considering.

if scarcely

Indicates a minimal amount or degree of something.

if imperceptibly

Suggests a change or difference that is almost impossible to notice.

if faintly

Indicates a weak or subtle presence of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "if very slightly" is used to indicate a minimal change or difference. For example, "The price increased, "if very slightly", due to inflation".

What are some alternatives to "if very slightly"?

Alternatives include "if only marginally", "if just a bit", or "even if slightly". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "if very slightly" in formal writing?

Yes, "if very slightly" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when precision is important. However, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of change or difference being described.

What's the difference between "if very slightly" and "slightly"?

"Slightly" indicates a small degree, while "if very slightly" adds a conditional aspect, suggesting that even if the change is minimal, it's still relevant or worth noting. For instance, "The color changed "if very slightly" after the update" implies the change's potential importance.