lessened slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessened slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in intensity or degree that is minimal or not significant. Example: "The pain in my back has lessened slightly since I started physical therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In writing about them I found a certain solace; my sense of isolation about my own trauma lessened slightly.

The Guardian - Books

And this is from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling: She walked away from him and, as he watched her go, he found that the terrible weight in his stomach seemed to have lessened slightly.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps the only piece of good news for Mr. Murdoch is that the relentless coverage of his company's woes lessened slightly in Britain on Friday because BBC News journalists began a one-day strike at midnight on Thursday.

The New York Times

It seemed they had flat batteries". With Aberdeen beating Dundee United 1-0 at Tannadice, Celtic's grip on the championship lessened slightly.

BBC

Everyone I speak to says the first year is just about learning". The fact that Cahill has a two-year professional tour card means the pressure to perform is lessened slightly and he can take some time to adjust.

BBC

Moreover, hydraulic fracturing regarding the opening of fractures and cracks has caused to improve the oil volume production drastically in the first steps of fracturing procedures, and after that, by producing the specific oil volume, it lessened slightly; it is shown in Fig. 10.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The tension at Rabaa seems to be lessening slightly.

The Guardian

While Spotify has become the go-to platform for tens of millions of people to access the songs they love, it remains impressive for any track to hit a billion plays, though the accomplishment lessens slightly with every new song that does so.

Forbes

Be aware that waxing can be painful, especially in such a sensitive area, though over time hair growth between waxes will diminish and pain should lessen slightly.

WikiHow

Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him, learn from him, and work alongside him.

The New York Times

(My enjoyment was lessened only slightly by the fact that I had recorded the song off the radio using a cassette player strategically placed near a speaker, which explains why, a little over two minutes in, my mother could be heard telling me to clean my room).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lessened slightly" to indicate a minor reduction or decrease where precision is not critical. It's suitable for general descriptions and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lessened slightly" when a significant reduction has occurred. Choose a stronger term like "significantly reduced" or "substantially decreased" to accurately reflect the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessened slightly" functions as a qualifier, modifying a verb to indicate the degree to which an action or state has been reduced. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly usable to describe a minimal or insignificant reduction in intensity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lessened slightly" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a minor reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to qualify the degree of change, conveying that something has decreased without being substantially altered. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news reporting, scientific writing, and general communication. While "lessened slightly" is common, remember to choose alternatives like "diminished marginally" or "decreased subtly" to refine your message and avoid overstating the reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished marginally

Emphasizes a minimal reduction, similar to "slightly".

decreased subtly

Focuses on a barely noticeable decrease.

reduced incrementally

Suggests a step-by-step reduction.

eased off gently

Implies a gradual and gentle lessening.

abated a little

Describes a reduction in intensity or severity.

softened somewhat

Highlights a reduction in harshness or intensity.

moderated to some extent

Indicates a partial reduction or control.

alleviated a tad

Suggests a slight relief or easing.

weakened just a bit

Focuses on a minimal loss of strength.

tapered off gradually

Emphasizes a slow and progressive decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "lessened slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "lessened slightly" to describe a small reduction in something. For instance, "The pain "lessened slightly" after taking the medication."

What are some alternatives to "lessened slightly"?

Alternatives include "diminished marginally", "decreased subtly", or "reduced incrementally", each conveying a similar sense of a small reduction.

Is it correct to say "slightly lessened" instead of "lessened slightly"?

While grammatically understandable, "slightly lessened" is less common and may sound awkward. "Lessened slightly" is the more conventional and natural phrasing.

What's the difference between "lessened slightly" and "lessened significantly"?

"Lessened slightly" implies a minor, barely noticeable reduction, while "lessened significantly" indicates a substantial and easily observable decrease.