slightly longer

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly longer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is slightly longer than something else. Example: "Although the walk to the store is only a few blocks, the return trip felt slightly longer because we were carrying heavy bags."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Adults may need slightly longer).

The New York Times - Tech

Slightly longer arms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a slightly longer answer, read on.

The Economist

Slightly longer than Earth ones.

The Guardian - Tech

Slightly longer arms would be great.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He gave a slightly longer answer.

The New York Times

Now for the slightly longer answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Weekend hours for some bars and restaurants are slightly longer.

The New York Times - Travel

Second gear takes slightly longer but seems equally violent.

The New York Times

Then do the same with the stalks for slightly longer.

The Guardian - Travel

Cut a piece of foil, slightly longer than the fillet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, use "slightly longer" to accurately convey a marginal difference in length without exaggeration. This ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly longer" when the difference is actually significant. Instead, use phrases like "much longer" or "considerably longer" to accurately reflect the degree of difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly longer" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies nouns by specifying a relative increase in length or duration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly longer" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to indicate a marginal increase in length or duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the difference in length is indeed slight to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "marginally longer" or "a bit longer" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. The high usage frequency and clear meaning make "slightly longer" a reliable choice for precise and accurate descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally longer

Emphasizes the small degree of difference in length; suitable for formal contexts.

a bit longer

More informal, implying a small and noticeable increase in length.

somewhat longer

Indicates a moderate increase in length, slightly more significant than "slightly longer".

a little longer

Similar in meaning to "a bit longer", suggesting a small difference.

fractionally longer

Highlights a very small or insignificant increase in length.

barely longer

Suggests the increase in length is minimal and almost imperceptible.

incrementally longer

Describes a gradual increase in length over time or in stages.

noticeably longer

Implies the increase in length is easily observed.

relatively longer

Indicates the increase in length is noticeable when compared to something else.

moderately longer

Suggests a more substantial increase in length than "slightly longer".

FAQs

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

Use "slightly longer" to indicate a small increase in length or duration. For instance, "The new version has a "slightly longer battery life"".

What are some alternatives to "slightly longer"?

Depending on the context, you could use "marginally longer", "a bit longer", or "somewhat longer". Each carries a similar but subtly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "a slightly longer"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used before "slightly" because "slightly" modifies the adjective "longer", and it's used to refer to a non-specific item.

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

"Slightly longer" indicates a small difference in length, whereas "much longer" suggests a more significant and noticeable difference. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.