slightly above normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly above normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a measurement or condition that is marginally higher than what is considered typical or average. Example: "The temperature today is slightly above normal for this time of year, reaching 78 degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Osterhuber says the level at the snow lab has risen slightly above normal for the season.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Jacquemin said that groundwater and well- water levels were slightly above normal.

The New York Times

PERIOD UNUSUALLY COLD Reversed Trend of the Previous Three Months -- Snowfall Also Slightly Above Normal.

The New York Times

Its forecast predicts: "Overall [temperatures] should average out at near or slightly above normal for the time of year".

The Guardian - Business

The measurements showed the presence of cesium and another unknown isotope, but the level was only slightly above normal.

The New York Times

Doctors' visits and deaths attributable to flu are slightly above normal and increasing, but "not atypical" compared with some of the last 25 years, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It calls for a colder winter than last year, and slightly above-normal snow.

The Washington Post

In Florida, Edith produced slightly above-normal tides and light rain.

Wikipedia

Tides at the city, already slightly above-normal due to a previous storm, rose to a crest of 7 feet on September 23, flooding large portions of Galveston Island.

Wikipedia

The 8-14 day outlook (Aug 17-23) slightly favors above-normal temperatures in far northern NY and slightly favors below-normal temperatures in southeast N, other areas can expect near-normal temperatures.

Cornell University

The 8-14 day outlook (Sept 20-26) slightly favors below-normal temperatures for part of the state and slightly favors above-normal precipitation for western to central NY.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly above normal", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'normal' refers to. For example, specify "slightly above normal temperature" or "slightly above normal rainfall".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the implications of "slightly above normal". This phrase indicates a minor deviation, not a drastic change. Don't use it to describe situations requiring urgent action unless the baseline 'normal' already represents a critical threshold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly above normal" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to qualify a noun by indicating that it is a bit more than what is usually expected. It quantifies the degree to which something exceeds the average or standard value. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly above normal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a mild increase beyond what is considered typical. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It appears frequently in news, scientific, academic, and general contexts like Wikipedia and is particularly useful for providing moderate assessments without causing undue alarm. When using this phrase, it's crucial to define what constitutes 'normal' to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, it's important to avoid exaggerating the implications of this slight deviation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A little higher than normal

Simple substitution using "little" for "slightly".

A touch above normal

Uses "touch" to convey a small degree of increase.

Marginally higher than usual

Emphasizes a small degree of increase over the standard or expected level.

A bit over the average

Indicates a small deviation above the average value.

Somewhat above expected

Highlights that the value is a bit more than what was anticipated.

Just exceeding normal levels

Focuses on the act of surpassing the normal value, emphasizing the minimal excess.

A shade over the typical

Utilizes "shade" to express a slight increase over the typical value.

Slightly in excess of the standard

Rephrases using "in excess" to denote being above the standard, but still slightly.

Mildly elevated

A more clinical or scientific term for a small increase.

Modestly above the baseline

Uses "modestly" to reflect a small incremental increase from baseline measurements.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly above normal" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly above normal" to describe a measurement or condition that is marginally higher than what is considered typical or average. For example: "The patient's blood pressure was "slightly above normal", requiring monitoring."

What are some alternatives to "slightly above normal"?

Alternatives include "marginally higher than usual", "a bit over the average", or "mildly elevated" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly above normal" or "a little above normal"?

Both "slightly above normal" and "a little above normal" are acceptable. "Slightly" may sound more formal or precise, while "a little" is more informal. The choice depends on the intended tone and audience.

What does "slightly above normal" imply about the situation?

It implies that a measurement or condition is a little higher than what is typically expected. This might be noteworthy, but it is not necessarily alarming unless the 'normal' range has specific critical thresholds.