slightly too big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly too big" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or item that is marginally larger than desired or expected. Example: "The dress I ordered is slightly too big, so I will need to exchange it for a smaller size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It was slightly too big, boxy and boring, but almost fitted.

Independent

"Calais hospital is afraid of being slightly too big for the local population," says a doctor.

The Guardian

But, it was slightly too big, and I take that criticism.

The Guardian - Film

She makes perfect replicas of everyday things, except slightly too big or too small.

The Guardian

Emma Larkman Gloucester Bedroom tax = encouraging people to move out of homes that are slightly too big for them.

The Guardian

All brand-new, and all — except for the shoes — looking slightly too big, as if the body inside had shrunk somewhat since the purchase.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

For two slightly too-big portions, I cooked 200 grams (7 oz) of those skinny little macaroni until they were nearly done, then added them to the ragù over low heat, along with a good handful of grated parmesan and a generous grinding of black pepper.

Huffington Post

3. Nicolas Cage (Adaptation, 2002) Had Nicolas Cage only played Donald Kaufman in Adaptation, it'd be written off as just another entertaining, slightly-too-big Cage performance.

The Guardian - Film

He remembered coming home from an overseas trip studying African liberation movements and revolutionaries in 1962 to meet Thembi, then 17, proudly wearing a slightly-too-big pair of Mandela's own trousers.

Los Angeles Times

The second iPad, though slightly lighter, was still too big.

The New York Times

Although the space remains slightly awkward — the downstairs feels too big, the mezzanine like exile — the vertical garden, which covers an entire wall, lifts it from generic industrial and imparts a pleasantly indoors-outdoors feel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly too big" to describe clothing, consider specifying where it's too big (e.g., "The sleeves are slightly too big").

Common error

Avoid using multiple adverbs to modify "big". Phrases like "very slightly too big" can sound redundant. Choose the single most appropriate adverb or rephrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly too big" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is larger than desired by a small degree. Ludwig AI showcases its use across various contexts, indicating its widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

31%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly too big" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that's marginally larger than desired. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, with numerous examples drawn from news, media, and even scientific contexts. The phrase functions as an adjective modifier, providing a nuanced description of size. While it's appropriate for neutral contexts, more formal alternatives exist, such as "somewhat too big" or "marginally too large". When using "slightly too big", be specific about what aspect is too large and avoid redundant adverb use. Overall, it’s a useful and widely understood expression for conveying minor size discrepancies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit too large

Replaces "big" with "large", offering a more formal tone.

a little oversized

Uses "oversized" to imply a size beyond the ideal.

somewhat too big

Substitutes "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a similar degree.

marginally too large

Replaces both "slightly" and "big" with more formal synonyms.

just a tad too big

Employs a more informal and colloquial expression.

excessively large to a degree

More emphatic, suggesting a noticeable degree of excessiveness.

on the larger side

Indirectly indicates that the item is bigger than expected.

a shade too generous

Uses "generous" metaphorically to describe the size.

ample in size

Emphasizes the generous dimensions, suitable for describing containers or portions.

runs a little large

Commonly used when talking about the sizing of clothes.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "slightly too big" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "somewhat too big" or "marginally too large".

When is it appropriate to use "slightly too big"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something is just a little larger than the ideal or expected size. For example, "The shirt is "slightly too big", but I can still wear it."

What's the difference between "slightly too big" and "much too big"?

"Slightly too big" indicates a small degree of excess in size, whereas "much too big" suggests a significant and noticeable difference.

What are some informal alternatives to "slightly too big"?

Informal options include "a little too big", "a bit too big", or "just a tad too big".