slightly more difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly more difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the difficulty level of two tasks or situations, indicating a small increase in difficulty. Example: "The math problem we tackled yesterday was challenging, but today's exercise is slightly more difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was slightly more difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

Meeting Spanish students was slightly more difficult.

Columbia University

In continuous time, things get slightly more difficult.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Not bad, I hope, but slightly more difficult ones.

The Guardian - Books

So that's why I think it's slightly more difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

JONES -- I found it to be slightly more difficult.

The New York Times

Slightly more difficult to persuade was Lori's father.

The New York Times - Health

With a friend, is it slightly more difficult?

The Guardian - Sport

Why is this a slightly more difficult game? Let's keep the mikes handy a second.

Yale University

A slightly more difficult trend to spot is that of cleanliness.

Vacuum Deposition onto Webs, Films, and Foils

Next, for me, was Microsoft, which I found slightly more difficult to quit.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two tasks or situations, use "slightly more difficult" to indicate a small but noticeable increase in the level of difficulty. It is a good phrase to use when you want to soften the impact of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly more difficult" when the difference in difficulty is substantial. If the task is significantly harder, opt for phrases like "much more difficult" or "considerably more challenging" to accurately reflect the degree of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly more difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (implied or stated) by indicating that it possesses a quality (difficulty) to a greater degree than something else. Ludwig shows that this construction is commonly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly more difficult" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a minor increase in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is common across diverse domains, from news and media to scientific publications. When using "slightly more difficult", ensure that the increase in difficulty is indeed slight to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a bit harder" or "somewhat more challenging" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate subtle differences in difficulty levels in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit harder

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning; less formal.

somewhat more challenging

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", suggesting a stimulating difficulty.

marginally tougher

Uses "tougher" instead of "difficult", implying greater resilience is needed.

a tad trickier

Replaces "difficult" with "trickier", suggesting a need for cunning or skill.

a little more demanding

Emphasizes the increased effort or requirements of the task.

ever so slightly harder

Highlights the minimal increase in difficulty with emphasis.

incrementally harder

Focuses on the gradual increase in the difficulty level.

moderately more complex

Shifts the focus from difficulty to the increased complexity of the task.

notably more intricate

Highlights an increase in the fine details that makes something more difficult.

a shade more complicated

Uses "complicated" suggesting difficulty arises from multiple interconnected parts.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly more difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly more difficult" to compare the difficulty of two tasks. For example, "While yesterday's exam was tough, today's is "slightly more difficult"."

What are some alternatives to "slightly more difficult"?

Some alternatives to "slightly more difficult" include "a bit harder", "somewhat more challenging", or "a tad trickier".

Is it always appropriate to use "slightly more difficult"?

While generally acceptable, ensure the difficulty increase is indeed slight. If the difference is significant, consider stronger phrases like "much more difficult" or "considerably more challenging."

What makes something "slightly more difficult" versus simply "difficult"?

"Slightly more difficult" implies a marginal increase in required effort or skill, whereas "difficult" denotes a substantial challenge. The former is a comparative statement, and the latter is an absolute assessment.