slightly more distant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly more distant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is a little farther away in terms of physical distance, emotional distance, or abstract concepts. Example: "The second star in the constellation is slightly more distant than the first one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

One wishes that Mr. Felder had a slightly more distant perspective on his subject.

The New York Times

But the source is Annibale Carracci, a slightly more distant allusion that shows how Mr. Currin keeps you guessing.

The New York Times - Arts

Obama's successor might learn from this when — if — he produces an alternative plan for a slightly more distant and less dangerous future.

The Washington Post

It is accompanied in an only slightly more distant orbit by the whopper with a mass equivalent to more than 17 Jupiters.

The New York Times - Science

A slightly more distant observer, Michael McQueen, a former assistant city editor at The Herald who is now chairman of the journalism department at Florida International University, said: "I think the paper is doing pretty good on the Elian story.

The New York Times

The setting is a very rundown Kansas in a fast approaching AD2044, a time to which crime bosses of the slightly more distant future return bad guys or troublesome citizens to be killed.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

With the somewhat more distant starling the number of genes with reduced signals is slightly larger, and the number larger still with the kingbird DNA.

BMC Genomics

The northerners then likely mated with peoples who came in later from Asia, and so became slightly more genetically distant from Anzick.

Science Magazine

Now he makes 350-400 calls a year, charging $300-$300-$350ghtly more for distant or off-hour runs) and grosses an average of up to about $120,000.

Los Angeles Times

For example, numerous small-scale rearrangements have been documented between domestic sheep and the slightly more genetically distant domestic goat, Capra hircus [ 22], which can also interbreed with domestic sheep [ 23].

BMC Genomics

For a chromosome of length l = 1.632 M, the actual distribution is rather less dispersed than the Poisson for close relatives, but slightly more dispersed for more distant relatives.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly more distant", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for comparison. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in both physical and abstract applications.

Common error

Avoid stacking qualifiers excessively. While "slightly" softens "more distant", overuse can dilute the impact. Consider if a more direct term might be more effective or if rephrasing can eliminate the need for multiple qualifiers. For example, you can write: "a bit further away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly more distant" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a comparative adjective. It serves to indicate the degree to which something is farther away, either in physical space or in an abstract sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly more distant" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a nuanced difference in distance, whether physical or abstract. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in a variety of contexts. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic writing. When using "slightly more distant", consider the reference point for comparison and avoid overusing qualifiers. Alternatives such as "a bit further away" or "somewhat more remote" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always aim for clarity and precision to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit further away

Emphasizes physical distance with a less formal tone.

somewhat more remote

Highlights inaccessibility or isolation, implying a greater degree of separation.

marginally more separated

Focuses on the state of being distinct or set apart, with a slight increase in that separation.

fractionally more detached

Suggests a minimal increase in emotional or conceptual distance.

relatively more isolated

Implies that the subject is set apart from others in a more noticeable way.

just a little farther

Simplifies the concept to a basic directional sense, indicating a small increase in length.

barely more outlying

Emphasizes minimal deviation from a central point or norm.

hardly more removed

Focuses on the degree to which something has been taken away or distanced.

scarcely more peripheral

Indicates being on the edge or outer boundary, with a slight increase in that position.

essentially more distant

Highlights the fundamental nature of increased separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly more distant" to describe physical distance, as in "The second star is slightly more distant than the first". You can use it to also describe abstract concepts, like in "His later works took a slightly more distant perspective on the topic".

What are some alternatives to "slightly more distant"?

Alternatives include "a bit further away", "somewhat more remote", or "marginally more separated", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "slightly more distant" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly more distant" is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the overall formality of your piece. Depending on the writing style you may prefer other alternatives such as "somewhat more remote".

What's the difference between "slightly more distant" and "much more distant"?

"Slightly more distant" implies a small degree of separation, while "much more distant" suggests a considerably larger gap. The choice depends on the magnitude of difference you intend to convey. The user can also consider the alternative significantly more distant