only slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

'only slightly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is not very significant or different in comparison to something else. For example: "He was only slightly faster than the other runners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He exaggerated only slightly.

The New York Times

But only slightly.

Forbes

Only slightly more tacky.

Independent

Chill it only slightly.

The New York Times

Poverty was reduced only slightly.

The Economist

Mr. Bloomberg smiled only slightly.

The New York Times

He limped, but only slightly.

The New Yorker

"Arrested Development," but only slightly.

The New York Times

(They were only slightly effeminate).

The New York Times

Host fell only slightly.

The New York Times

I generalise only slightly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only slightly" to indicate a small difference or change, adding nuance to your descriptions and avoiding exaggeration.

Common error

While "only slightly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more precise quantifiers or adverbs to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only slightly" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a small degree or extent. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only slightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a small degree or extent. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, particularly in news and media. While adaptable, overuse in formal writing should be avoided in favor of more precise alternatives. When considering the phrase "only slightly", remember that it is commonly used to temper statements and convey minimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely

Indicates a minimal or insufficient amount.

just a bit

Uses different words to indicate a minimal amount or degree.

a little bit

A more informal way to express a small quantity or extent.

marginally

A more formal synonym emphasizing a small difference or degree.

scarcely

Emphasizes the infrequency or minimal amount.

to a small degree

Emphasizes the limited extent of an action or quality.

not much

Emphasizes the limited quantity or degree.

hardly at all

Highlights the near absence of something.

somewhat

Suggests a moderate but limited extent.

negligibly

Indicates something is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

How to use "only slightly" in a sentence?

Use "only slightly" to indicate that something is true or has happened to a small degree. For example, "He was "only slightly" injured in the accident".

What can I say instead of "only slightly"?

You can use alternatives like "just a bit", "marginally", or "to a small degree" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "only slightly" or "just slightly"?

Both ""only slightly"" and "just slightly" are correct. The choice depends on the desired nuance, with "just slightly" sometimes implying a more casual tone.

What's the difference between "only slightly" and "slightly"?

"Only slightly" emphasizes the minimal degree, suggesting it's barely noticeable. "Slightly" indicates a small degree without necessarily implying it's almost negligible.