slightly less

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly less" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate a slight reduction or decrease in something. For example: "My sister is slightly less excited about the party than I am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was slightly less abrasive.

The New York Times

It actually costs slightly less.

The Economist

Slightly less jagged capitalism?

The Guardian - Opinion

Slightly less smelly people.

The Guardian - Money

Anyone slightly less bureaucratic?

The Guardian

Rich countries have been slightly less destructive.

The Economist

Monthly passes cost $308, slightly less online.

The New York Times

The other actors are slightly less understated.

The New York Times

(The court system is slightly less secretive).

The Economist

The exit was slightly less polite.

Independent

This makes it slightly less controversial.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly less" to indicate a subtle difference or reduction, maintaining a sense of precision in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly less" when there is a substantial or significant difference between the two things being compared. "Slightly less" implies a marginal difference, not a major one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly less" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying an adjective or another adverb to indicate a small degree of reduction or diminution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly less" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a minor reduction or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely accepted in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, and is useful for conveying nuanced comparisons without exaggeration. When using "slightly less", ensure the difference you are describing is indeed small, and consider alternative phrases like "marginally lower" or "somewhat smaller" depending on the context. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively integrate "slightly less" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally lower

Emphasizes a minimal decrease or reduction.

somewhat smaller

Focuses on a decrease in size or quantity, while maintaining a close semantic connection.

a bit reduced

Uses simpler language to convey a small reduction.

a shade under

An idiomatic expression indicating a minor deficiency.

not quite as much

Expresses that something is a little below a certain amount.

fractionally diminished

Highlights a slight decrease using more formal language.

modestly decreased

Indicates a moderate or limited decline.

minimally declined

Points out a very small drop or decrease.

hardly greater

Highlights that something is barely larger than something else.

just a notch below

Suggests that an item sits subtly under.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly less" to indicate a small difference or reduction. For example, "The red car is slightly less expensive than the blue one" or "He felt slightly less nervous after the pep talk".

What are some alternatives to "slightly less"?

Alternatives include "marginally lower", "somewhat smaller", or "a bit reduced". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "little less" instead of "slightly less"?

While "little less" might be understood in informal contexts, "slightly less" is more grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. It provides a more precise indication of the degree of difference.

What is the difference between "slightly less" and "significantly less"?

"Slightly less" indicates a small difference, whereas "significantly less" implies a much larger and more noticeable difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference you are describing.