shorten slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shorten slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something should be made shorter by a small amount. Example: "Please shorten slightly the length of the report to fit within the required page limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These shorten slightly every time the chromosome replicates, until eventually the cell can no longer divide, becoming senescent or undergoing "apoptosis" – the cellular equivalent of suicide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Nero" was shortened slightly and integrated into Barnum and Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth.

Princeton University

As Nicholls has shortened slightly in the trainers' title betting, so Henderson has eased.

Independent

I am reminded of a lovely exchange in Terry Pratchett's Thief of Time, which I've shortened slightly: "I left the class doing algebra," said Susan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Could they not be shortened slightly?

Forbes

With Policy II, the number of thinnings was reduced, and the rotation length was shortened slightly.

Forest Ecosystems

The pain duration was shortened slightly after the intervention period reached to significance level at follow up.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The earthquakes related to the supercycle have occurred over at least the last 4000 years, and this recurrence interval has shortened slightly in recent years.

Geoscience Letters

The earthquakes related to the supercycle are implied to have occurred over at least the last 4000 years, and the cycle may have shortened slightly in recent years (Fig. 4b).

Geoscience Letters

With increased loading, usually in the loading to failure phase, the proximal tendon shortened slightly and appeared to bulk up as the suture tightened, the accordion effect (Figs. 4, 5 & 6).

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

The race has been shortened slightly, and some alterations made to the take-off and landings near fences, but perhaps the most significant change has been the use of more forgiving plastic (rather than wooden) cores for the fences.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shorten slightly" when you need to specify a minor reduction in something without drastic changes. For example, "Please shorten slightly the introduction to keep the reader engaged".

Common error

While "shorten slightly" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "reduce marginally" or "decrease slightly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shorten slightly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying an action by indicating a small degree of reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

45%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shorten slightly" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minor reduction in length, time, or size. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts but may require more formal alternatives like "reduce marginally" in specific settings. Examples curated by Ludwig demonstrate its appropriate usage across varied scenarios, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce a bit

Implies a minor reduction; less formal.

trim a little

Suggests a small adjustment, often in a physical context.

decrease marginally

Formal term indicating a small reduction in degree.

lessen marginally

Indicates a minimal reduction.

diminish slightly

Suggests a small decrease in size, extent, or range.

abbreviate somewhat

Implies shortening the original length or form.

condense marginally

Implies reduce size/volume of, without major loss of content.

contract a little

Suggests a minor reduction in size, usually in physical context.

curtail a little

Imply some restrictions are put in place to do the "shortening".

downsize a little

Often used in business contexts to suggest reducing staff or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "shorten slightly" to indicate a minor reduction in length or duration. For instance, "The editor asked the author to shorten slightly the chapter to improve the book's pacing".

What are some alternatives to "shorten slightly"?

You can use alternatives like "reduce a bit", "trim a little", or "decrease marginally" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shorten a little" instead of "shorten slightly"?

Yes, "shorten a little" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express.

Which is more formal, "shorten slightly" or "reduce marginally"?

"Reduce marginally" is generally considered more formal and suitable for technical or professional writing, while "shorten slightly" is appropriate for more general contexts.