little more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little more" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate an additional small amount or degree of something, either positive or negative. For example, "He loved the chocolate cake, but he wished there was a little more frosting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A little more.

The New Yorker

A little more hopeful.

Independent

Very little more, though.

Independent

Smile a little more.

The Economist

"A little more boob.

The New Yorker

Nasri got little more.

The New York Times - Sports

Little more than that.

Independent

"Maybe a little more".

The New Yorker

"A little more warmth".

The New York Times

"Being a little more bold".

The New York Times

Little more marketing is necessary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "little more" with adjectives to express nuanced qualities. For example, "The atmosphere felt a "little more" relaxed after the announcement."

Common error

While "little more" is versatile, overuse can make formal writing sound less professional. Opt for more precise alternatives like "slightly greater" or "marginally increased" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

"Little more" functions as a modifier, typically quantifying nouns or adjectives to indicate a slight increase or addition. It often expresses comparative degree, enhancing descriptions with nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little more" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a slight increment or degree. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, featuring prominently in news, academic writing, and general communication. While suitable for many contexts, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "slightly greater" or "marginally increased" in highly formal writing. Remember to use "little more" when you need to express a subtle addition, ensuring clarity and adding nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a little more

Adds emphasis on the smallness of the increment, reinforcing the idea of a minimal increase.

slightly more

Emphasizes a minimal increase or addition, similar to "little more" but with a slightly different tone.

a touch more

Indicates a subtle addition or increment, emphasizing delicacy or nuance.

a shade more

Implies a very slight increase, often used to describe subtle differences or preferences.

a bit extra

Suggests an additional small amount, focusing on the extra quantity rather than a comparative degree.

slightly greater

Focuses on the increased magnitude or degree, providing a more formal alternative.

marginally more

Highlights that the difference is minimal or barely perceptible.

fractionally more

Stresses that the increase is very small, almost negligible.

a small increase

Highlights the act of increasing by a small amount.

somewhat more

Suggests a moderate degree of increase compared to "little more".

FAQs

How can I use "little more" in a sentence?

You can use "little more" to indicate a slight increase or addition, like in the sentence, "Could you explain that in a "little more" detail?". It's also suitable for comparisons: "This option seems a "little more" appealing than the other."

What can I say instead of "little more"?

Alternatives include "slightly more", "a bit extra", or "just a little more", depending on the context. Consider "marginally more" for formal contexts.

Is it correct to say "a little bit more" instead of "little more"?

Yes, "a little bit more" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the small quantity even further. However, "little more" is often more concise and works well in many situations.

What's the difference between "little more" and "much more"?

"Little more" indicates a small increment or degree, while "much more" suggests a significantly larger increase or degree. For instance, "This car costs a "little more" than that one" implies a small price difference, whereas "This car is much more luxurious" suggests a substantial difference in luxury.