slightly behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not quite at the expected level or pace, often in relation to time or progress. Example: "The project is slightly behind schedule, but we are working hard to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're slightly behind, but really it's finally coming together".

The Guardian

Faulkner lagged slightly behind.

The New York Times

But Australia and New Zealand were only slightly behind.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately," he said, "the Senate is slightly behind schedule".

The New York Times

CBS finished fourth in that demographic, just slightly behind ABC.

The New York Times

Pettitte said he still felt slightly behind physically.

The New York Times - Sports

It was fifth, slightly behind stroke, in 2004.

The New York Times

There's no escaping that Mr. Obama and his contemporaries have remained slightly behind the curve.

The New York Times

Fox's "Bones" (11 million) trailed slightly behind CBS's "CSI" (11.5 million) in the 9 p.m. hour.

The New York Times - Arts

Turning south, I left my shadow to the side and slightly behind me, where it belongs.

The New York Times

She seemed weirdly masked, with an upside-down face, from where Ray stood, slightly behind her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly behind", ensure the context is clear about what is being compared. For instance, specify if it's a schedule, a competitor, or a benchmark.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly behind" when the delay or difference is actually significant. This can mislead the audience about the true extent of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly behind" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the degree to which something lags or trails relative to a standard or expectation. Ludwig confirms its accurate and varied usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly behind" is a versatile phrase used to express a small degree of lagging or delay. Ludwig's analysis reveals its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. Remember to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement, and ensuring the context of comparison is clear. Consider alternatives like "a little delayed" or "marginally lagging" to fine-tune your message. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios, with Ludwig affirming its clear and varied usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little delayed

Indicates a minor delay, similar to "slightly behind" but using different wording.

marginally lagging

Suggests a small degree of trailing or falling behind, similar to "slightly behind".

running a bit late

Describes a state of being somewhat behind schedule, similar to "slightly behind".

somewhat delayed

Implies a delay that is more than minor but not substantial, similar to "slightly behind" in magnitude.

moderately trailing

Implies a trailing status of modest degree, similar to the sense of "slightly behind".

a shade slower

Suggests a small difference in speed or progress, akin to being "slightly behind".

a touch late

Conveys a small deviation from the expected time, similar to being "slightly behind" schedule.

falling a little short

Indicates a minor deficiency or failure to meet a goal, similar to being "slightly behind" expectations.

a hair's breadth behind

Emphasizes the minimal distance or difference in being behind, similar to "slightly behind".

inching along behind

Describes a slow and gradual trailing, suggesting a small degree of being "slightly behind".

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly behind" to indicate a minor delay or deficiency. For example, "The project is slightly behind schedule", or "Our sales figures are slightly behind last year's."

What are some alternatives to "slightly behind"?

Alternatives include "a little delayed", "somewhat delayed", or "marginally lagging", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly behind" or "a little behind"?

Both "slightly behind" and "a little behind" are acceptable and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone of your writing.

What does "slightly behind the curve" mean?

"Slightly behind the curve" means being a little slow or late in adopting new trends or technologies. It suggests not being at the forefront but still within an acceptable range of current practices.