slightly smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're comparing two similar items or sizes. For example, "The new iPhone is slightly smaller than the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's slightly smaller than a pigeon.

The New Yorker

Here it makes them slightly smaller than life.

The Guardian - Books

Let's hope it's slightly smaller than the Z2.

The Guardian - Tech

A plunge in inventories was slightly smaller than previously reported.

The New York Times

The decline was slightly smaller than economists had expected.

The New York Times

The loss was slightly smaller than analysts had predicted.

The New York Times

She is slightly smaller than Gulliver, who is still growing.

The New York Times

Each layer is slightly smaller than the one below so you have a domed effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The decline, 943,000, was slightly smaller than that posted in 2000.

The New York Times

But the plane, slightly smaller than a Boeing 707, does the job.

The New York Times

Main courses, just slightly smaller than a regular portion, are in the $12-to-$12-to-$12-to-$16

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly smaller than", ensure the comparison is relevant and provides meaningful context. For example, specify what the object is being compared to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly smaller than" when the size difference is actually substantial. Using a more precise comparison, or a different comparative phrase like "much smaller than" will provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing its size relative to another noun, indicating a minor difference in dimension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this comparative construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly smaller than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe a minor difference in size. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad acceptance. It is most frequently found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is relevant and the size difference is indeed minor. For larger differences, consider alternative phrases such as "much smaller than" or "considerably smaller than". The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally smaller than

Emphasis on a minimal difference in size.

barely smaller than

Focuses on the slight or near imperceptible difference in size.

just a bit smaller than

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the size difference with casual phrasing.

fractionally smaller than

Highlights a minimal difference in size.

moderately smaller than

Indicates a more noticeable, yet still not drastic, size difference.

a tad smaller than

Informal way of expressing a small size difference.

rather smaller than

Expresses a preference for a smaller size without quantifying the difference.

somewhat tinier than

Uses "tinier" for a more delicate or diminutive connotation.

significantly smaller than

Highlights a considerable difference in size.

negligibly smaller than

Underscores that the size difference is so small as to be practically insignificant.

FAQs

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

Use "slightly smaller than" to indicate that one object is marginally smaller in size compared to another. For example, "This model is "slightly smaller than" the previous version".

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly smaller than"?

You can use alternatives such as "marginally smaller than", "somewhat smaller than", or "a bit smaller than" depending on the context and the degree of size difference.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly smaller than"?

It's appropriate when the size difference is minor and noticeable but doesn't drastically alter the object's properties or functionality. For substantial differences, use phrases like "much smaller than" or "significantly smaller than".

What's the difference between "slightly smaller than" and "considerably smaller than"?

"Slightly smaller than" indicates a minor size difference, while "considerably smaller than" suggests a significant and easily noticeable difference in size.