slightly fewer

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly fewer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a smaller amount or number than the one mentioned previously, or in general when referring to a smaller amount or number than expected. For example: "This year, we received slightly fewer applications than last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Clarke currently has slightly fewer still.

The Economist

Here slightly fewer of you think it's morally mandatory, 15%.

Yale University

Slightly fewer white millennials, 38percentt, showed this implicit bias.

The Washington Post

In 2015, there were slightly fewer than 5,000.

The Washington Post

All sold slightly fewer albums than music-industry executives expected.

The New York Times - Arts

(Slightly fewer sheets might have been more effective).

The New York Times - Arts

Female vehicles are slightly fewer on the ground.

The Guardian - Film

"Now slightly fewer people don't know who I am".

The New York Times - Magazine

("Beowulf" was available in 3-D on slightly fewer screens).

The New York Times

The dining room seats slightly fewer people than Citi Field.

The New York Times - Food

A Slightly fewer, through attrition and budget cuts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly fewer", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. Specify the original number or amount to provide a clear reference point for the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly fewer" when the difference is actually substantial. This phrase indicates a minor reduction; using it for significant decreases will mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly fewer" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used in English, serving to quantify a small reduction in a countable quantity. Examples show it specifying the amount or number of objects, items, or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly fewer" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minor reduction in countable quantities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring that the reduction being described is indeed small and that it refers to countable items. While alternatives like "marginally less" exist, "slightly fewer" provides a clear and concise way to express a small quantitative difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally less

Focuses on a small difference in degree rather than count, highlighting a minimal reduction.

a bit less

More informal, implying a small difference in quantity. It doesn't specifically deal with discrete items.

somewhat smaller number

Highlights that the difference refers to an amount, not just any quality.

a shade below

Implies a comparison to a standard level or amount where the actual amount is negligibly lower.

only a handful less

Useful when you are referring to discrete countable items, and the difference is numerically quite small.

not quite as many

Indicates a comparative assessment rather than a precise accounting, implies the amounts are close.

a little lighter

Better when referring to weight but could be used metaphorically for quantities.

hardly any fewer

Emphasizes the lack of difference, suitable when any reduction is practically inconsequential.

scarcely reduced

Focuses more on the action of reducing and how minimal it was.

minimally diminished

More formal and highlights that the decrease was almost unnoticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly fewer" to indicate a small reduction in quantity. For example, "We received "slightly fewer" applications this year compared to last year".

What's a more formal alternative to "slightly fewer"?

A more formal alternative to "slightly fewer" could be "marginally less" or "minimally diminished", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "slightly fewer" compare to "slightly less"?

"Slightly fewer" is used for countable items, while "slightly less" is used for uncountable quantities. For example, you would say "slightly fewer apples" but "slightly less water".

Is it ever incorrect to use "slightly fewer"?

It would be incorrect to use "slightly fewer" if the reduction is substantial or significant. In such cases, alternatives like "considerably fewer" or "significantly less" would be more appropriate.