only slightly more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only slightly more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small increase or difference in comparison to something else. Example: "The new model is only slightly more expensive than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only slightly more tacky.

Independent

The N.F.C. features only slightly more turnover.

The New York Times

Bishop Warda was only slightly more optimistic.

The New Yorker

That was pretty memorable, too, and only slightly more conventional.

The Washington Post

Spruces (Picea) and firs (Abies) are only slightly more restricted.

Britannica

Only slightly more than half of it can harvested regularly.

The Washington Post

The creaky ballpark was only slightly more inviting.

The New York Times - Sports

But strong feelings only slightly more politely expressed are commonplace.

The Guardian

MINUSES: The movie is only slightly more than skin deep.

The New York Times

The text that followed was only slightly more engaging.

The New York Times

The mobile lifestyle is only slightly more subdued in Sweden.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only slightly more" to precisely convey a small difference without exaggerating it. This adds nuance and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "only slightly more" when the difference is actually significant. Choose a stronger phrase like "considerably more" or "significantly more" to accurately reflect the magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only slightly more" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a comparative adjective or adverb. Ludwig indicates it's used to express that one thing exceeds another by a small degree. It serves to qualify comparisons, softening the impact of the difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only slightly more" is a versatile tool for expressing minor differences in comparisons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference truly is small to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "just a little more" or "marginally more" depending on the level of formality required. Being precise with your comparisons enhances the credibility and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a little more

Emphasizes the small difference in quantity or degree with simpler language.

a bit more

Provides a simple and direct way to express a small increase.

marginally more

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a small increase or difference.

a tad more

Employs a more casual and informal expression for a small increase.

somewhat more

Suggests a modest increase, possibly more noticeable than "slightly".

barely more

Highlights the minimal nature of the increase or difference.

scarcely more

Emphasizes how small the increase or difference actually is.

ever so slightly more

Amplifies the smallness of the difference with an added adverb.

notably more

Indicates a difference that is worthy of attention, though not large.

just a shade more

Uses a visual metaphor to describe a very subtle increase.

FAQs

How can I use "only slightly more" in a sentence?

You can use "only slightly more" to show a small difference between two things. For example, "The new version is "only slightly more" expensive than the old one."

What are some alternatives to "only slightly more"?

Some alternatives include "just a little more", "marginally more", or "a bit more". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Is it correct to say "slightly more only" instead of "only slightly more"?

No, the correct and more common phrasing is "only slightly more". The word "only" modifies "slightly", so it should precede it.

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

"Only slightly more" indicates a small difference, while "much more" suggests a large difference. For example, "The updated software is "only slightly more" efficient" versus "The updated software is "much more" efficient".