slightly lower

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly lower" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is below the usual or expected amount or level. For example, "The temperature today is slightly lower than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bond yields ended slightly lower.

The New York Times

Interest rates were slightly lower.

The New York Times

Interest rates moved slightly lower.

The New York Times

In Asia, major indices closed slightly lower.

The New York Times

The ratio was slightly lower for Hispanics.

The New York Times

Operating profit was actually slightly lower.

The New York Times

France ended slightly lower, though.

The Guardian - Business

Interest rates were slightly lower on Friday.

The New York Times

The euro traded slightly lower at $1.3830.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Express unit also experienced slightly lower-than-expected growth.

Forbes

There's a slightly lower-priced version available without a microphone.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly lower", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. For example, "The price is slightly lower than last year".

Common error

Avoid using "slightly lower" when the difference is actually significant. Overstating a minor difference can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly lower" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it accurately describes something that is below the usual or expected amount or level. For example, "Interest rates were slightly lower on Friday."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly lower" is a common and versatile way to indicate a small reduction or decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from describing financial metrics to comparing statistical data. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is frequently found in news, scientific, and business publications. When employing "slightly lower", ensure that the difference being described is indeed minor to avoid misrepresentation. Using alternatives such as "marginally reduced" or "somewhat diminished" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally reduced

Emphasizes a minimal decrease, similar to a slight lowering.

somewhat diminished

Highlights a partial reduction or lessening.

fractionally less

Indicates a very small difference in quantity or degree.

minimally decreased

Implies the smallest possible amount of reduction.

scarcely declined

Suggests the decline is almost imperceptible.

barely reduced

Indicates a minimal amount of reduction.

a tad lower

An informal way to express a slight decrease.

a shade less

Highlights a subtle difference in a comparative sense.

negligibly smaller

Implies the size difference is so small as to be insignificant.

a fraction below

Shows a very small amount, quantitatively lower.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly lower" to describe a small reduction or decrease in something. For instance, "The interest rate is "slightly lower" this year".

What are some alternatives to "slightly lower"?

Alternatives include "marginally reduced", "somewhat diminished", or "fractionally less", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "slightly lower" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly lower" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to describe a small difference.

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

"Slightly lower" indicates a small difference, while "much lower" implies a significant or substantial difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.