marginally less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marginally less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small or slight difference in quantity, degree, or quality compared to something else. Example: "The new model is marginally less expensive than the previous version, making it more accessible to consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was marginally less than persona grata.

The New York Times

This is marginally less awkward, thankfully.

The Telegraph

– but the production is marginally less successful.

The Guardian - Music

Cusack is marginally less good as Brian.

The Guardian - Film

They'll be the (marginally) less snarky ones.

The Guardian - Film

Probably marginally less embarrassing that way".

The Guardian - Sport

Then here's a marginally less painful option.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Kangura's role was marginally less direct.

The New York Times

The fall was only marginally less sharp in Arizona.

The Guardian

Staff smile, chat a bit, make life marginally less horrendous.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's Armani, she explains, which seems marginally less Lorde.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marginally less" when you want to emphasize a slight difference without exaggerating it. This is particularly useful in formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

While "marginally less" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stiff. In informal conversations or writing, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "a bit less" or "slightly less".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginally less" functions as an adverbial modifier expressing a small degree of reduction or inferiority. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "marginally less effective" or "marginally less expensive".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marginally less" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a slight difference or reduction. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for formal contexts where precision is valued, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While alternatives like "slightly less" or "a bit less" exist, "marginally less" offers a more nuanced and formal tone. While very common across various sources, it appears most frequently in News & Media, making it an important expression to understand for interpreting factual and analytical content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less

Indicates a small degree of difference, similar to "marginally less" but potentially more common in everyday conversation.

minimally less

Emphasizes the extremely small degree of difference.

barely less

Implies the difference is so small it's almost negligible.

somewhat less

Suggests a degree of difference that is more noticeable than "marginally less" but still not substantial.

hardly less

Similar to "barely less", suggesting the difference is difficult to detect.

negligibly less

Highlights that the difference is so small it's practically insignificant.

just a little less

A more descriptive and emphatic way to say "marginally less".

scarcely less

Suggests a small difference, potentially emphasizing rarity.

fractionally less

Indicates a very small, almost immeasurable difference.

a bit less

A more informal and casual way to express a small reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "marginally less" in a sentence?

You can use "marginally less" to indicate a slight difference. For example, "The new version is "marginally less" expensive than the older one."

What are some alternatives to "marginally less"?

Alternatives include "slightly less", "somewhat less", or "a bit less", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "marginally less" and "slightly less"?

While both indicate a small difference, "marginally less" might imply an even smaller or more insignificant difference than "slightly less". The choice often depends on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "marginally less" in writing?

Use "marginally less" in formal or professional writing where you need to express a small difference precisely. In casual conversation, less formal alternatives might be more suitable.