is slightly less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is slightly less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is not as much as the other in a particular aspect. Example: "The new model is slightly less expensive than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The court system is slightly less secretive).

The Economist

The tax section is slightly less problematic.

The Washington Post

Wiggins's Tour résumé is slightly less impressive.

The New York Times - Sports

The reality is slightly less heady.

The New York Times - Style

The black version is slightly less eye-catching.

The Guardian - Tech

The issue of mayoral succession is slightly less controversial.

The New York Times

The end is slightly less nigh than previously imagined.

The Guardian

The standing figure is slightly less than life-size.

The New Yorker

The one for Darth Vader is slightly less upsetting.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is slightly less popular than her husband.

The Economist

MiCoach is slightly less multifaceted than the others I tried.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared. Ambiguity can make the statement confusing.

Common error

Avoid using "is slightly less" when the difference is actually significant. This can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement. If the gap is substantial, use more direct comparative language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slightly less" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that one thing possesses a characteristic to a degree that is marginally smaller than another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is slightly less" is a versatile and grammatically correct comparative expression used to indicate that one thing is marginally smaller or reduced compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. This phrase serves to provide nuanced comparisons, often softening potential negative perceptions or presenting a more accurate representation when the difference is not substantial. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "is marginally smaller" and "is a bit smaller".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is marginally smaller

Focuses on a small difference in size or quantity.

is a bit smaller

Emphasizes a small difference in size; more informal.

is a little smaller

Similar to "a bit smaller" but slightly more formal.

is somewhat reduced

Highlights the reduction aspect.

is barely lower

Highlights that the difference is minimal.

is not quite as much

A more verbose way of expressing a slight reduction.

is fractionally less

Emphasizes a very small, almost negligible difference.

is insignificantly lower

Implies the difference is so small it's not important.

is subtly diminished

Focuses on a delicate or hard-to-notice reduction.

is हल्का कम

Hindi translation of "is slightly less".

FAQs

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

Use "is slightly less" to compare two items or quantities, indicating that one is a bit smaller or reduced in comparison to the other. For example, "The new model "is slightly less" expensive than the previous version".

What's the difference between "is slightly less" and "is significantly less"?

"Is slightly less" suggests a minor difference, while "is significantly less" implies a notable and important difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing. Using "is significantly less" would be more appropriate if the difference is substantial and impacts the overall meaning or value.

What are some alternatives to "is slightly less"?

You can use alternatives such as "is a bit smaller", "is somewhat reduced", or "is marginally smaller" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is slightly less than" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is slightly less than" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The cost "is slightly less" than expected".