slightly long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is longer than usual but not excessively so, often in contexts like descriptions, measurements, or durations. Example: "The meeting was slightly long, lasting over two hours instead of the usual hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Here's his recollection: The story (a slightly long one) begins some years ago.

The New York Times

Instead, they cut the piece slightly long then shave it gradually with a plane, file or power miter saw to achieve the best fit.

The New York Times

Because the ceremony ran slightly long, Mr. Obama did not recite the oath of office until just after noon, the moment when he officially became president.

The New York Times

Here she wears Valentino trousers ($595) slightly long in what she calls "a Madonna-English-street way" and a wrap top by Marc Jacobs ($760) fastened with a stone-encrusted brooch.

The New York Times - Style

Biotin production was relatively high in slightly long rod-shape cells but low in elongated cells.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

If the Windows 10 launch process feels slightly long in the tooth, it's mostly due to the fact that Microsoft dropped so many builds we have become inured to the topic.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Pill -- earnest, intelligent, slightly long-winded -- was founded and edited by Mr. Zaitchik.

The New York Times

Although powered by the slightly long-in-the-tooth Rover K-series engines, the 550 is the first Chinese car that might appeal to European tastes.

The Economist

Wind in the Willows might be slightly long-winded and class conscious for today's children, but if you're reading it aloud, judicious skipping is no sin.

The Guardian

And at this point, a palpable sense of rage almost overwhelms the bespectacled and slightly long-haired Mr Ahsan and he raises his finger in front of his face.

Independent

The samples with high Ti content showed a slightly long-wave shift along with a band broadening, thus indicating the appearance of higher coordinated Ti atoms in oligomeric Ti species [13].

Applied Petrochemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly long" when you want to indicate something exceeds the expected or desired length without being excessively long. For instance, "The report was slightly long, but contained valuable insights."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly long" too frequently in the same piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat long" or "a little long" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly long" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate that something has a length that exceeds the norm by a small degree. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as demonstrated in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly long" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that exceeds the expected length by a small amount. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When writing, consider the potential for overuse and vary your language with synonyms like "a little lengthy" or "somewhat extended", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that while versatile, it’s crucial to ensure precise and engaging language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little long

Indicates a small degree of excess in length; slightly less formal.

somewhat long

Expresses a similar meaning, but with a more neutral tone.

moderately long

Suggests a length that is more than average but not extreme; more formal.

a bit lengthy

Replaces "long" with "lengthy", adding a slightly more formal tone.

somewhat extended

Uses "extended" instead of "long", implying a duration rather than physical length.

marginally long

Emphasizes the small difference in length; more technical or formal.

a shade long

An informal way to indicate a minimal excess in length.

just a little long

Highlights the minor extent of the length.

scarcely long

Implies that it is barely long, minimizing the excess.

almost long

It suggests approaching a longer size, but not quite.

FAQs

What does "slightly long" mean?

The phrase "slightly long" describes something that is a little longer than expected or usual. It indicates a minor degree of excess in length or duration.

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

You can use "slightly long" to describe physical dimensions, time, or even abstract concepts. For example: "The movie was "a bit long", but I enjoyed it" or "His fingers are slightly long and tapering."

What are some alternatives to "slightly long"?

Some alternatives to "slightly long" include "somewhat long", "a little lengthy", or "moderately long". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

Yes, "slightly long" can be used in formal writing, although synonyms like "somewhat extended" or "moderately long" might be preferred in certain contexts to maintain a more sophisticated tone.