slightly ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

'slightly ahead' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is a little bit ahead of something else in terms of timing or location. For example: "The train will arrive slightly ahead of its scheduled time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're going in slightly ahead.

The New York Times

Some have Mr. Gore slightly ahead.

The New York Times

He's slightly ahead of Scholes for me".

The Guardian - Sport

That ranked 76th, slightly ahead of Providence, R. I

The New York Times - Sports

At one point Mr. Kaczynski had even pulled slightly ahead.

The New York Times

Chet Culver, another Democrat, is very slightly ahead.

The Economist

The most recent poll shows Mr Obama slightly ahead.

The Economist

McEwan was walking slightly ahead of me, amid beech trees.

The New Yorker

The US was slightly ahead, the UK slightly worse.

The Guardian - Business

That was slightly ahead of what the City expected.

The Guardian - Business

With each tack, the Italians pulled ever so slightly ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly ahead" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis of comparison. For instance, specify what or who is being led, and the metric by which they are measured.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly ahead" when the actual difference is substantial. Reserve it for truly marginal advantages or progressions; otherwise, opt for more descriptive terms that accurately reflect the disparity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly ahead" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a marginal degree of advancement, progress, or superiority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly ahead" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase commonly employed to express a marginal advantage or progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. While generally neutral in register, writers should remain mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of difference being conveyed. Consider alternative phrases such as "just ahead" or ""marginally ahead"" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Avoid exaggerating the difference when employing this phrase. With its frequent occurrence across reputable sources, "slightly ahead" stands as a reliable and precise expression for indicating minor leads or advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just ahead

Suggests a minimal spatial or temporal separation.

fractionally ahead

Highlights the smallness of the lead.

a shade ahead

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a tiny lead.

marginally in the lead

Emphasizes a small advantage in a competition or race.

only just in front

Underscores the narrowness of the lead.

a bit in front

Indicates a small degree of spatial or abstract lead.

slightly more advanced

Emphasizes the incremental progress made.

barely leading

Highlights the precariousness of the lead, implying it could easily be lost.

a little further on

Indicates a minor advancement in a journey or process.

somewhat advanced

Focuses on progression or development being somewhat further along.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly ahead" to indicate a marginal advantage or progression. For example, "Our team is "marginally ahead" in the polls" or "The project is running "a little further on" than expected".

What are some alternatives to using "slightly ahead"?

Alternatives to "slightly ahead" include phrases like "a bit in front", "just ahead", or "fractionally ahead", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly ahead" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly ahead" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when precision is required. However, ensure the context clarifies the basis for comparison and that the difference is indeed marginal.

What's the difference between "slightly ahead" and "significantly ahead"?

"Slightly ahead" indicates a small, marginal advantage, while "significantly ahead" suggests a much larger, more substantial lead. Choosing between them depends on the actual degree of difference being described.