slightly less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or amounts that are not equal but are close in value. Example: "The temperature today is slightly less than it was yesterday, making it a bit cooler outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Usually slightly less than 2 ounces total.

The New York Times - Food

Again, a slightly less than placating explanation.

Independent

The undertaking is only slightly less than monumental.

The New York Times - Arts

Both losses were slightly less than analysts had predicted.

The New York Times

The production lasted slightly less than 90 minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

Slightly less than half of all ballots have been counted.

The New York Times

b. was slightly less than U.S. box office.

The New York Times

(In the U.S., it's slightly less than half).

The New Yorker

Bridge employs slightly less than 5,000 people.

The New York Times

The standing figure is slightly less than life-size.

The New Yorker

For Premier Growth, it charges slightly less than 1percentt, and for its Growth fund, slightly less than 0.70percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing values, use "slightly less than" to clearly communicate a small difference that is still relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly less than" when the difference is actually significant; use terms like "considerably less than" or "substantially less than" for larger disparities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly less than" functions primarily as a comparative qualifier. It's used to modify a noun or noun phrase, indicating that it is a smaller quantity or degree when compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly less than" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a small difference between two quantities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, serving to provide a nuanced comparison without exaggerating the disparity. When using the expression, it is important to consider phrases with similar meanings, such as "just under" or "a bit shy of". This ensures writers can use clear and precise language when emphasizing relevant differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just under

Indicates that a value is immediately below a certain threshold, creating a sense of nearness.

somewhat lower than

Indicates a small degree of inferiority in magnitude or amount.

barely short of

Stresses the closeness to reaching a specific target or number.

marginally below

Focuses on the lower position in a scale, emphasizing a small difference.

fractionally smaller than

Highlights the small size of the difference, focusing on the fractional aspect.

a shade under

Introduces a sense of subtle difference, referring to "shade" as a very minor difference.

a bit shy of

Emphasizes that something is missing to reach a certain amount by a small extent.

negligibly lower than

Suggests that the difference is so small that it is almost not worth considering.

scarcely beneath

Implies that one value is barely lower than another, emphasizing closeness.

minutely less than

Underscores the tiny amount by which one thing is lower than the other.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "slightly less than"?

Alternatives include "just under", "a bit shy of", or "marginally below". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly less than" in writing?

Use "slightly less than" when you want to indicate a small but noticeable difference between two values or quantities. It suggests the difference is not large enough to be considered significant but is still worth mentioning.

What's the difference between "slightly less than" and "much less than"?

"Slightly less than" indicates a small difference, while "much less than" implies a significant difference. Use "slightly less than" when the values are close and "much less than" when they are far apart.

Is "slightly less than" formal or informal?

The phrase "slightly less than" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a neutral expression that doesn't carry any specific connotation of formality or informality.