slightly older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly older" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means someone is only a little bit older, not significantly older. Example: "She looked slightly older than her sister, but they were actually only a year apart in age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For slightly older children the difference widens.

The Economist

I'm slightly older than those people.

Independent

A slightly older security threat.

The Guardian - Books

One for slightly older kids.

The Guardian - Tech

This is slightly older than Gibson's one.

The Guardian - Books

But the show's appeal got slightly older.

The New York Times

His voice sounds slightly less majestic, slightly older, perhaps inevitably.

The Guardian - Music

It also helps that I'm slightly older now.

The Guardian

Laura Marcus is on Twitter, slightly older and wiser.

The Guardian - Tech

His 39th, like its slightly older sibling, is no exception.

The Guardian - Music

Slightly older kids can relate to both Beezus and Ramona.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, use "slightly older" to indicate a minimal and often insignificant age difference, avoiding exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly older" when there is a substantial age gap; instead, opt for more accurate descriptors like "significantly older" or "much older."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly older" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the degree to which something or someone is older in comparison to another. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in providing a nuanced description of age differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly older" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe minimal age differences, as verified by Ludwig. It functions as an adjectival modifier, adding detail and nuance to comparisons. The phrase appears frequently in both news media and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "slightly older", ensure the age difference is genuinely small to maintain accuracy and avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "a bit older" or "marginally senior" can be used depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever so slightly older

Emphasizes the marginal nature of the age difference.

just a little older

Simple and direct, emphasizing the small age gap.

barely older

Indicates the age difference is almost negligible.

a tad older

Informal, uses "tad" to indicate a small degree.

fractionally older

Emphasizes an even smaller age difference.

hardly any older

Stresses the minimal difference in age.

a bit more mature

Focuses on maturity level rather than strict age difference.

marginally senior

A more formal way to indicate a slight difference in seniority or age.

somewhat more aged

Highlights the aging process itself to a small extent.

notably more experienced

Shifts focus to experience gained with slightly more age.

FAQs

How do I use "slightly older" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly older" to compare the ages of two people or things. For example, "My brother is "slightly older" than me."

What are some alternatives to "slightly older"?

Some alternatives include "a bit older", "just a little older", or "marginally senior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slightly older" or "a little bit older"?

Both "slightly older" and "a little bit older" are correct, but "slightly older" is generally more concise and formal. The choice depends on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "slightly older" and "significantly older"?

"Slightly older" implies a small difference in age, while "significantly older" indicates a considerable age gap. Use "slightly older" when the age difference is minimal.