slight degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor extent of something, often in contexts where you are measuring or assessing a quality or characteristic. Example: "There was a slight degree of improvement in her performance after the training."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even a slight degree of turbidity in drinking water is objectionable to most people.

Britannica

He traded barbs with his twin brother, and even, to a slight degree, Barack Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sainte-Beuve's method ignores what a very slight degree of self-acquaintance teaches us," he wrote.

The New Yorker

And he holds his own, to the slight degree Purcell allows, in his final encounter with Ms. Graham's furious Dido.

The New York Times - Arts

Only a slight degree of toxicity to pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (CFU-S) was observed in both treatment protocols.

Leukemia Research

Its only sculptural aspects are its slight degree of actual projection from a surface and its frequently subtle surface modeling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's largely improvised and poses as a documentary, though to such a slight degree that it hardly matters.

The New York Times - Arts

"Mankind are faced with a clear-cut alternative: either we shall all perish, or we shall have to acquire some slight degree of common sense".

The Guardian - Opinion

The public's concern may be limited to a single feature of the business, so that the needed protection can be secured by a relatively slight degree of regulation.

Cornell University

There's a nice mix of casual and formal behavior; plenty of lines, groups and patterns, and some slight degree of shared rhythm.

The New York Times - Arts

The slight degree of hydrogen bonding that exists between the two polymers results in micro-phase separation without an excess degree of aggregation occurring.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight degree" to precisely convey a minimal or subtle level of something, ensuring your language reflects nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "slight degree" in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "a little" or "somewhat" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight degree" functions as an adjectival modifier quantifying the extent or intensity of a noun. It indicates a minimal or subtle level of the quality being described, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight degree" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minimal extent or level. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse sources. While its primary contexts are science and news media, it's essential to consider formality when using it; opting for simpler terms in casual settings may be more appropriate. Remember to leverage this phrase to precisely convey nuance in your writing, avoiding overstatement and maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small extent

Focuses on the limited scope or reach, differing by emphasizing the magnitude.

minor amount

Highlights the quantity or measure, diverging by specifying the numerical aspect.

modest level

Emphasizes the intensity or grade, shifting the focus to the degree of intensity.

limited quantity

Highlights scarcity or restriction, differentiating by suggesting something is controlled or finite.

minimal impact

Concentrates on the effect or result, varying by stressing the consequence of something.

marginal extent

Indicates something barely reaches a certain point, differing by implying it's close to a boundary or limit.

small measure

Focuses on the quantifiable amount, shifting the perspective to a measurable aspect.

gentle touch

Implies care or delicacy, contrasting by suggesting a light or cautious approach.

shade

Suggests a hint or nuance, diverging by using a metaphor for minimal presence.

tinge

Indicates a trace or slight coloring, differing by employing a visual metaphor for subtle influence.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "slight degree" into a sentence?

Use "slight degree" to indicate a minimal level or extent. For example, "There was a slight degree of improvement in his condition."

What phrases can replace "slight degree" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "small extent", "minor amount", or "modest level" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slight degree of improvement" or "small improvement"?

"Slight degree of improvement" and "small improvement" are similar, but "slight degree" emphasizes the measured or assessed aspect. "Small improvement" is more direct and commonly used.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "slight degree"?

Avoid using "slight degree" in very informal contexts or when describing something significant. Simpler terms are more appropriate in those situations.