slightly larger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly larger" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to compare two items to suggest that one item is a bit bigger than the other. For example: "The flat screen monitor was slightly larger than the one I had before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Slightly larger," he responded.

The Guardian - Tech

Or just slightly larger than microscopic.

The New Yorker

Their clients also had slightly larger accounts.

The New York Times

The criminal "parishes" may be slightly larger.

The Economist

Females are slightly larger than males.

Cornell University

It is slightly larger than life.

The Guardian - Arts

(They're slightly larger than cigarette packets).

The New York Times - Arts

Broader stock indicators showed slightly larger declines.

The New York Times

Slightly larger and more urban than Hastings.

The New York Times

The Marine squad is slightly larger.

The Washington Post

Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly larger" to make a comparison where precision isn't critical. It's ideal for informal writing or when a detailed measurement isn't needed.

Common error

In scientific or technical writing, avoid "slightly larger" when precise measurements are available. Instead, use specific numerical data to clearly indicate the difference in size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly larger" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a size that is marginally greater than another, providing a relative comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction. It's found in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly larger" is a common and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a marginal difference in size. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While suitable for various contexts, from news to academia, it's most effective when precise measurements are not critical. For more formal or technical writing, consider more specific language. Alternatives like "somewhat bigger" or "a bit larger" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to avoid overusing "slightly larger" in technical contexts where precise measurements are expected. Ultimately, this phrase serves as a useful tool for making comparisons without emphasizing a substantial difference in size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat bigger

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a similar degree of increase in size.

marginally greater

Substitutes "slightly" with "marginally", offering a more formal tone.

a tad bigger

Uses "a tad" instead of "slightly", providing a more informal and colloquial feel.

a bit larger

Replaces "slightly" with "a bit", which is a more common and less formal alternative.

fractionally bigger

Offers a more precise and technical feel compared to "slightly larger".

barely larger

Emphasizes the smallness of the increase, more so than "slightly larger".

a shade bigger

Uses the word "shade" to show it is an indiscernible degree of change in size.

minutely larger

Emphasizes that the increase is very small and perhaps difficult to measure.

modestly bigger

Suggests the increase is limited and not dramatic in scale.

incrementally bigger

Focuses on the gradual nature of the size increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly larger" to compare the sizes of two objects, indicating that one is a bit bigger than the other. For example, "The new model has a "slightly larger" screen."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly larger"?

Alternatives include "somewhat bigger", "a bit larger", or "marginally greater", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

While "slightly larger" is generally acceptable, more precise language might be preferred in formal contexts. For example, using specific measurements or more formal terms like "marginally greater" can add clarity.

What's the difference between "slightly larger" and "much larger"?

"Slightly larger" indicates a small difference in size, while "much larger" suggests a significant or substantial difference. The choice depends on the actual scale of the size difference you want to emphasize.