slightly smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly smaller" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when trying to describe a difference in size between two things. For example, "The puppy's feet are slightly smaller than his brother's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hers was slightly smaller.

The Guardian

The rear wheel was slightly smaller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Males are very slightly smaller than females.

Cornell University

, and in practice should be slightly smaller.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Separate the slices into slightly smaller pieces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Portions, he said, are slightly smaller.

The New York Times - Food

The women's pool is slightly smaller.

The New York Times - Sports

It's slightly smaller than a pigeon.

The New Yorker

The Wiesbaden version will be slightly smaller.

The New York Times - Arts

They spent slightly smaller amounts in 1998.

The New York Times

Imports fell a slightly smaller $2.2 billion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly smaller", ensure the context clearly establishes what the comparison is being made to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly smaller" when the difference is more significant. This diminishes the impact of the description and may mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly smaller" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe the size of a noun in comparison to another. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in comparing various objects, from physical dimensions to abstract quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly smaller" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to denote a marginal difference in size. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and prevalent across numerous reliable sources, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using "slightly smaller", it's crucial to provide a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity, and ensure that the size difference genuinely aligns with the 'slight' modifier. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "a bit smaller" or "marginally smaller", the choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally smaller

This emphasizes a minimal difference in size.

a bit smaller

An informal way to indicate a small size difference.

a little smaller

Similar to 'a bit smaller', but slightly more formal.

somewhat smaller

Indicates a moderate difference in size.

noticeably smaller

Implies the size difference is easily observed.

considerably smaller

Highlights a more significant size difference.

appreciably smaller

Suggests a size difference that is important or relevant.

relatively smaller

Indicates smaller size in comparison to something else.

fractionally smaller

Suggests a very minor difference, possibly measurable.

slightly reduced

Focuses on the reduction aspect rather than the comparative size.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "slightly smaller" in a sentence?

Use "slightly smaller" to describe a marginal size difference between two comparable items. For example, "The new model is "slightly smaller" than its predecessor."

What are some alternatives to using "slightly smaller"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a bit smaller", "marginally smaller", or "somewhat smaller" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "slightly smaller" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly smaller" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and concise way to express a minor difference in size. The appropriateness largely depends on the overall tone and style of the document.

What is the difference between "slightly smaller" and "much smaller"?

"Slightly smaller" indicates a minimal difference in size, while "much smaller" implies a significant or substantial difference. The choice depends on the degree of size disparity you wish to convey.