slightly different

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly different" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it when discussing a change that is not extreme or drastic but not quite the same as the original. For example, "The recipe was only slightly different this time, but it still tasted great."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chewie is slightly different".

The New York Times

Periscope is slightly different.

The New Yorker

Cravings are slightly different.

Independent

Slightly different [INAUDIBLE].

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anything slightly different.

The Guardian - Sport

This felt slightly different.

The Guardian - Sport

The smartphone? Slightly different.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is slightly different.

The New York Times

Each has slightly different regulations.

The Economist

Australia, however, was slightly different.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bieber's tale is slightly different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly different" to indicate a minor distinction or variation, avoiding exaggeration. For example, "The new model is only slightly different from the previous version".

Common error

Avoid using "slightly different" when the actual difference is substantial or significant. It's more accurate to use stronger terms like "significantly different" or "completely different" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly different" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a minor degree of variation or distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread usage across diverse contexts underscores its grammatical soundness and semantic clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly different" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile adjective phrase used to indicate minor variations or distinctions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker underscores its acceptance in formal, neutral, and even scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the degree of difference is accurately represented and consider alternatives like "marginally distinct" or "somewhat dissimilar" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally distinct

Indicates a very small degree of difference.

somewhat dissimilar

Highlights a moderate level of unlikeness.

a bit diverse

Implies some variety or diversity.

minutely varied

Suggests small, detailed variations.

hardly identical

Emphasizes the lack of complete sameness.

relatively unique

Indicates a degree of uniqueness but within a comparison.

subtly altered

Highlights that the change is not immediately obvious.

distinct to a degree

Explicitly states the presence of distinction.

diverges somewhat

Implies a partial departure from the original.

not quite the same

Directly states that two things are not identical.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly different" to describe something that has minor variations or distinctions compared to something else. For instance, "The recipe is "slightly different", but the end result is similar".

What's a more formal way to say "slightly different"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "marginally distinct", "somewhat dissimilar", or "minutely varied" instead of "slightly different".

What's the difference between "slightly different" and "very different"?

"Slightly different" indicates a small degree of variation, while "very different" suggests a large and noticeable distinction. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the extent of the difference.

Can I use "slightly different" when comparing abstract concepts?

Yes, "slightly different" can be used to compare abstract concepts. For example, "Their approaches to the problem were "slightly different", but both were effective".