slightly shorter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly shorter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the length of two or more items, indicating that one is a little less long than the other. Example: "The new version of the report is slightly shorter than the previous one, making it easier to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looked slightly shorter yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

But it will be slightly shorter.

The New York Times

3 Take a slightly shorter shower.

The Guardian

A second, slightly shorter tower is on the way.

The Guardian - Arts

This is one reason that people often become slightly shorter as they age.

Harvard University

Stage 4, the course's final climb, stands slightly shorter than the Statue of Liberty.

The Washington Post

It is a darker crimson and slightly shorter, growing to about 3ft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A slightly shorter version ran in the next day's print edition.

The Guardian - Opinion

So too, over a slightly shorter period of time, did AB de Villiers for South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

A slightly shorter distance from Phoenix is Sedona, offering excellent hiking through the red rock region.

The New York Times

When closed, it's slightly thicker and slightly shorter than the earlier model..

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, use "slightly shorter" to indicate a small, but noticeable difference in length. This helps to provide a more precise description than simply saying "shorter."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly shorter" when the difference in length is significant. Using "much shorter" or "considerably shorter" is more appropriate to accurately convey a large difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly shorter" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that the noun possesses a length that is a bit less than another, offering a relative measurement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly shorter" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to compare lengths, indicating a small difference. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and used in various contexts, from formal news reports to informal how-to guides. While generally neutral in tone, its usage should align with the formality of the surrounding text. Remember to use more descriptive alternatives like /s/significantly+shorter when describing a considerable difference in length, and remember also that there are many alternative formulations that you can use to express a similar concept such as "a tad less lengthy" or "somewhat more compact".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally briefer

Emphasizes a minimal reduction in length; uses more formal vocabulary.

somewhat more compact

Focuses on the reduced size or compactness, not necessarily length.

a tad less lengthy

Uses informal language ("a tad") to indicate a small difference in length.

a little bit smaller

Shifts focus from length specifically to overall size.

fractionally diminished

Highlights the minute reduction in size.

relatively abbreviated

Suggests a shortened version compared to a standard or typical length.

hardly longer

Emphasizes the lack of significant difference in length, almost the same.

just a hair shorter

Uses colloquial expression to emphasize a very small difference.

minuscule length reduction

Stresses the insignificant amount of reduction in length.

negligibly reduced length

Indicates that the shortening is so small it's practically unnoticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly shorter" to compare the lengths of two objects or periods of time, indicating that one is a bit less long than the other. For example, "The new version is "slightly shorter", making it easier to handle".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slightly shorter"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a bit shorter", "somewhat shorter", or "marginally shorter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "slightly shorter" or "a little shorter"?

Both phrases are acceptable and generally interchangeable. "Slightly shorter" may sound more formal than "a little shorter", but the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "slightly shorter" and /s/significantly+shorter?

"Slightly shorter" indicates a small difference in length, while "significantly shorter" implies a more substantial and noticeable difference. Use the appropriate phrase based on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.