is slightly different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is slightly different' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not quite the same as something else, but is not vastly different. For example: "The taste of this cereal is slightly different to the other one I tried; it's slightly sweeter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Chewie is slightly different".

The New York Times

Periscope is slightly different.

The New Yorker

Which is slightly different.

The New York Times

Bieber's tale is slightly different.

Independent

Therapeutic interchange is slightly different.

Harvard University

Everyone's metabolism is slightly different.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Cravings are slightly different.

Independent

Australia, however, was slightly different.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their dresses are slightly different.

The New York Times

The methods are slightly different.

The New York Times

The menus are slightly different.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is slightly different", be specific about how the subject differs. Instead of saying "The approach is slightly different", specify what makes it so: "The approach is slightly different, focusing more on long-term goals."

Common error

Avoid using "is slightly different" when the differences are significant. Using it to describe major disparities can mislead your audience. Instead, opt for phrases that accurately reflect the magnitude of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slightly different" functions as a descriptor, specifically used to indicate a minor distinction between two or more subjects. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to denote small variations rather than significant alterations. The phrase uses the verb 'is' to link a subject with its description, and 'slightly' modifies 'different' to temper the degree of dissimilarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is slightly different" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey minor distinctions. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it's a common phrase, ensure you specify how something differs when using it and avoid overstating differences. Consider alternatives like "is subtly distinct" or "is marginally dissimilar" for nuanced expression. Remember to be precise in describing the differences to maintain clarity and avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is marginally dissimilar

Emphasizes that the difference is very small and almost negligible.

is subtly distinct

Highlights that the difference is delicate and not immediately noticeable.

is somewhat comparable

Indicates a degree of similarity but acknowledges that there are still differences.

bears a faint resemblance

Suggests that the similarity is weak and not very obvious.

presents a minor variation

Focuses on the fact that the difference is a variation on a theme.

is nearly identical

Highlights the great similarity but also acknowledges a slight difference.

differs in a small way

Directly states that the difference is small.

exhibits a slight divergence

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a common point by a small amount.

is a touch disparate

Indicates a very small level of disparity or incongruity.

shows a mild contrast

Points out a subtle level of difference or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "is slightly different" in a sentence?

You can use "is slightly different" to point out a minor distinction between two things. For example, "This model "is slightly different" from the previous one in terms of battery life."

What are some alternatives to "is slightly different"?

Some alternatives include "is marginally dissimilar", "is subtly distinct", or "is somewhat comparable" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is slightly different" instead of "is very different"?

"Is slightly different" is appropriate when the differences are minor and not substantial. If the differences are significant, use stronger phrases like "is very different" or "is significantly different".

Is there a more formal way to say "is slightly different"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "exhibits a minor variation", "presents a subtle distinction", or "differs in a small way".