slightly bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly bigger" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is slightly larger in comparison to something else, or to describe a small increase in size. For example: "The new model of the phone is slightly bigger than the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bigger or heavier riders usually prefer slightly bigger wheels.

WikiHow

Males are only slightly bigger, at 6.5kg.

Independent

Morstead, although slightly bigger, is similarly focused.

The New York Times - Sports

We like to tell slightly bigger stories.

The New York Times

The second is a slightly bigger drawback.

The New York Times - Tech

Why? Jamaica is just slightly bigger than Brooklyn.

The New Yorker

That was a slightly bigger drop than expected.

The New York Times

The similar dwarf antelope (Neotragus batesi) is only slightly bigger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We decided slightly bigger was slightly better, overall.

The Guardian

Oklahoma's is just slightly bigger than a Parisian bathroom.

The New York Times

It's a plastic puck slightly bigger than an Oreo.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, ensure the context makes it clear what the "slightly bigger" object is being compared to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly bigger" without specifying what is being compared. Always provide a reference point for the size difference to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly bigger" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that one object is marginally larger than another. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes differences in wheel sizes for skateboards, screen sizes of devices, or relative dimensions of shapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly bigger" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a marginal increase in size. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general descriptions. When using this phrase, ensure you provide a clear reference point for comparison. While versatile, it may be less suitable for formal scientific writing where precise measurements are preferred. Remember to maintain clarity by always specifying what is "slightly bigger" than what.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit larger

Emphasizes a marginal increase in size using more common vocabulary.

somewhat larger

Indicates a degree of increase, maintaining a similar level of formality.

marginally larger

Highlights a subtle difference in size with a more formal tone.

fractionally bigger

Suggests an increase that is barely noticeable, using a quantitative term.

a shade bigger

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a minor size difference.

incrementally larger

Focuses on the gradual increase in size, suitable for technical contexts.

barely bigger

Underscores the minimal nature of the size difference.

ever-so-slightly bigger

Emphasizes the extremely small magnitude of the difference in size.

minimally larger

Similar to "marginally larger" but perhaps emphasizing that the difference is so tiny it barely matters.

just a little bigger

Uses simpler language to convey the same concept of a slight increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly bigger" to compare the sizes of two objects, such as "The new model is "slightly bigger" than the previous version".

What is a synonym for "slightly bigger"?

Synonyms for "slightly bigger" include "a bit larger", "somewhat larger", and "marginally larger".

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

Yes, "slightly bigger" is appropriate in most contexts. For highly formal writing, you might consider using a more precise term, but it is generally acceptable.

How does "slightly bigger" differ from "much bigger"?

"Slightly bigger" implies a small difference in size, while "much bigger" suggests a more substantial or noticeable difference.