is slightly different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is slightly different from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things that have minor differences. Example: "The new model is slightly different from the previous version in terms of design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FRED MARTIN: My story is slightly different from John.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Donaghy's situation is slightly different from his co-defendants'.

The New York Times

A water braise is slightly different from a stock braise.

The New York Times - Magazine

AskIt's technology is slightly different from that of Ask Jeeves.

The New York Times

But the plan he announced today is slightly different from the one he spoke of then.

The New York Times

He is slightly different from just playing up top all the time".

The Guardian - Sport

It is slightly different from the "tablespoon" you get in a cutlery set.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A new Anglican clergyman, Mr. Dunn, arrives, who is slightly different from the others.

The New Yorker

Counselling is slightly different from traditional psychotherapy, which often does involve lying on a couch.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But being a cheerleader for something is slightly different from being a principal player".

The New York Times

Consequently, the pattern is slightly different from that reflected from a flat surface (Fig. 3i).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "is slightly different from" to point out nuanced differences that might influence a decision. For example, "Option A is slightly different from Option B in its long-term cost."

Common error

Avoid using "is slightly different from" when the differences are significant. Doing so can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility. For example, if one model is electric and the other is gasoline-powered, it is not "slightly different", it is fundamentally different.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slightly different from" functions as a comparative connector, used to highlight minor distinctions between two entities or concepts. As supported by Ludwig, it implies that while similarities exist, there are noticeable, yet small, differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is slightly different from" is a versatile comparative connector, widely used to express minor distinctions between two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical structure is considered correct and it's very common across various contexts like News & Media and Science. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for objective comparisons while its intention is to precisely qualify how the subjects differ, rather than emphasize stark oppositions. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the differences you're highlighting are indeed subtle, to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience. For situations demanding alternative expressions, phrases like "varies marginally from" or "differs subtly from" can provide similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differs subtly from

Highlights the delicate nature of the difference.

varies marginally from

Emphasizes a small degree of variation.

is marginally distinct from

Indicates a slight level of distinction.

shows minor divergence from

Emphasizes that the separation is not very big.

departs minimally from

Suggests a minimal deviation or departure.

exhibits a subtle contrast to

Indicates that there are small differences if compared to something else.

is barely distinguishable from

Focuses on the challenge of noticing the difference.

is almost identical to

Highlights the similarity, while acknowledging a slight difference.

is somewhat dissimilar to

Shows some difference with the original term, but keeping a formal tone.

presents a nuanced variation of

Highlights sophistication to present the differences between the terms.

FAQs

How do I use "is slightly different from" in a sentence?

Use "is slightly different from" to indicate a minor distinction between two subjects. For example, "This version "is slightly different from" the original in color."

What can I say instead of "is slightly different from"?

Alternatives include "varies marginally from", "differs subtly from", or "is marginally distinct from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is slightly different from" or "is a little different than"?

"Is slightly different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. "Is a little different than" is more common in informal speech.

What's the difference between "is slightly different from" and "is completely different from"?

"Is slightly different from" indicates minor variations, while "is completely different from" implies no significant similarities. The former is a matter of degree, the latter a matter of kind.