slight boost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight boost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small increase or improvement in something, such as performance, confidence, or effectiveness. Example: "The new marketing strategy provided a slight boost in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Prius's electric motor is relatively small, providing only a slight boost.

The New York Times

But the slight boost from the electric motor provides an offset.

The New York Times

But Mr Netanyahu seems to have suffered no electoral damage, and may have had a slight boost.

The Economist

Despite having surpassed analysts' expectations -- by a large margin in the cases of Citigroup and Merrill Lynch -- the companies got only a slight boost from investors.

The New York Times

"I think there's a certain peculiarity in my case – being the son of – which if anything was a slight boost when I started out.

The Guardian

This is essentially to allow support for demanding HDR video effects (see below), but it will also mean that some games get a slight boost in frame rate.

The Guardian - Tech

Republican and Democratic appropriators, who just gave the program budget a slight boost for this year, signaled their unease as part of the recently passed spending bill.

The Washington Post

Analysts said the lower-than-expected deficit in March will most likely give a slight boost to overall economic growth for the January-March quarter.

The New York Times

Instead, the court is likely to impose a temporary map of its own that could give Democrats a slight boost going into the election next year.

The New York Times

His flip-flop, although it seems to have given him a slight boost in the polls, raises again the temperament question.

The New York Times

Adele's "21" (XL/Columbia) remained at No. 2, after a slight boost in sales from a prime-time special on NBC featuring the British soul singer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight boost" to describe a marginal improvement or increase that doesn't drastically change the overall outcome. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "slight boost" when the actual increase is substantial. This can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight boost" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'slight' modifies the noun 'boost'. It describes a marginal increase or improvement. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight boost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a small improvement or increase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its presence across various contexts, particularly in news and media, suggests a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the improvement is indeed marginal to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives such as "minor improvement" or "small increase" to further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight uptick

Similar to 'slight boost', but uses 'uptick' to emphasize a small upward movement.

minor improvement

Focuses on the improvement aspect, emphasizing its small scale.

small increase

Highlights the quantitative aspect of the boost, specifying that it's a small amount.

marginal gain

Implies the increase is barely noticeable or significant.

modest rise

Suggests a gentle and limited increase.

gentle push

Conveys a sense of subtle momentum or assistance.

mild enhancement

Emphasizes the enhancement aspect, describing it as gentle or not extreme.

limited upturn

Highlights the limited nature of the upward trend.

nominal gain

Highlights that the gain is so small it is almost insignificant.

small impetus

Indicates a minor driving force or initial push.

FAQs

How can I use "slight boost" in a sentence?

You can use "slight boost" to describe a small increase or improvement. For example, "The new update gave the app a "slight boost" in performance."

What are some alternatives to "slight boost"?

Alternatives include "minor improvement", "small increase", or "marginal gain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight boost" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight boost" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when precision is needed to describe a small improvement. However, consider alternatives like "modest rise" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "slight boost" and "significant boost"?

"Slight boost" indicates a small, often barely noticeable improvement, while "significant boost" implies a substantial and easily observable increase. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change.