slightly heavier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly heavier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing weights or densities, indicating a small increase in heaviness. Example: "The new model is slightly heavier than the previous version, which may affect its portability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's slightly heavier.

The Guardian - Sport

(Videos indicate that Ms. Fierce prefers slightly heavier eyeliner).

The New Yorker

The man had a slightly heavier build than Mr. Schrier.

The New York Times

The whole animal probably weighed about 25 pounds, only slightly heavier than the largest flying birds.

University of California, Berkeley

Freshwater and anadromous clupeiforms usually have eggs slightly heavier than water.

Britannica

There are few dishes that can't be improved with a slightly heavier dose of it.

The Washington Post

A shirtsleeved figure, slightly heavier than in his youth, pads comfortably around, deep into the evening.

The Guardian

The device weights just 36g and is only slightly heavier than its conventional Bluetooth headset.

The Guardian - Tech

Don't expect him to be singing even slightly heavier repertory, like Verdi's Duke of Mantua.

The New York Times

The job cuts are slightly heavier than expected: 9% instead of a reported 8%.

The Guardian - Tech

Unlike natural gas, however, propane is slightly heavier than air and dissipates more slowly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, use "slightly heavier" to convey a small but noticeable weight difference, providing context for the impact of this difference on the overall experience or functionality.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly heavier" when the weight difference is substantial. Using a more accurate descriptor like "significantly heavier" or "much heavier" maintains clarity and prevents misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly heavier" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a greater weight than another item, but only to a small degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly heavier" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a small difference in weight between two items. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and commonly used in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from formal academic writing to everyday conversations. When using this phrase, ensure that the weight difference is indeed small to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives such as "a bit heavier" or "marginally heavier" can be used to add nuance or adjust the level of formality. With a high expert rating of 4.5, "slightly heavier" is a reliable and effective way to convey a subtle comparison of weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit heavier

Replaces "slightly" with "a bit", offering a more informal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

marginally heavier

Substitutes "slightly" with "marginally", providing a more formal and precise nuance.

somewhat heavier

Uses "somewhat" instead of "slightly", indicating a similar degree of difference in weight.

just a little heavier

Emphasizes the small difference in weight using "just a little".

fractionally heavier

Replaces "slightly" with "fractionally", suggesting a very small difference.

imperceptibly heavier

Indicates the weight difference is so small that it's almost unnoticeable.

a touch heavier

Uses the idiom "a touch" to express a small amount of added weight.

barely heavier

Highlights that the increase in weight is minimal.

negligibly heavier

Indicates that the difference in weight is so small it's practically insignificant.

minimally heavier

Stresses the very small amount by which something is heavier.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly heavier" to describe a small difference in weight between two objects. For example: "The new model is "slightly heavier" than the previous version, but it also has a longer battery life."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly heavier"?

Alternatives include "a bit heavier", "marginally heavier", or "somewhat heavier". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a little heavier" instead of "slightly heavier"?

Yes, "a little heavier" is a perfectly acceptable and often more informal alternative to "slightly heavier". Both phrases indicate a small difference in weight.

What's the difference between "slightly heavier" and "considerably heavier"?

"Slightly heavier" indicates a small, often barely noticeable difference in weight. "Considerably heavier", on the other hand, implies a significant and easily noticeable weight difference.