slightly too well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly too well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is done with a degree of excess that is just beyond what is considered appropriate or expected. Example: "He performed slightly too well on the exam, raising suspicions about his study methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ultimate American id boy is up to his old tricks in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" at the New Victory Theater, an amiable if slightly too well-behaved adaptation of Mark Twain's novel, by Laura Eason.

The New York Times

I called to tell them what happened, and was confronted with a slightly too well-rehearsed script of excuses, including, "We get our greens from the same place as Whole Foods".

The New York Times

Smith knows her audience is usually of the progressive persuasion and, while she hits a number of topics that are perhaps slightly too well-worn – from the Australian accent to kale to anxiety disorders – it's a testament to her talent that you barely notice she's traversing such familiar ground.

The Guardian

Wilder might even have managed a smile had Nicky Adams not shot slightly too high when well placed.

The Guardian - Sport

It's packed with, not just two juicy patties, but a wad of moist, nicely charred barbecue rib meat, whose savoury depth acts as the best counterpoint to AF's slightly too sweet, but well-delineated sauces.

The Guardian - Travel

As well as being slightly too familiar with frothy sitcoms, Prince is rumoured to be one of the headliners at Glastonbury this year.

The Guardian - Music

I have to ring home to say I'm running slightly late due to being looked after too well.

The Guardian

I understand the concern that social media algorithms have fragmented society, and that as well as showing you slightly too many kitten gifs they might be destroying democracy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then the Chuckle Brothers took to the stage playing, presumably, a pair of well-intentioned but incompetent men given slightly too much responsibility for their particular skill level.

The Guardian

It is well balanced but the fat content is slightly too high.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gillingham should regroup, along with the well-supported Bradford, who found their feet slightly too late last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly too well" to convey a subtle sense of overdoing something, where the excess is noticeable but not necessarily detrimental. For instance, in describing a performance or preparation that seemed a little too perfect, hinting at potential insincerity or artificiality.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly too well" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or analytical term might be more appropriate. In those contexts, consider alternatives like "somewhat excessively" or "marginally excessively" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly too well" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It qualifies a verb or action, indicating the manner in which it is performed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correctly used to suggest a subtle degree of excess in the performance or quality of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly too well" serves as a nuanced adverbial modifier, indicating a performance or action that is almost excessively good, bordering on artificiality or contrivance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in neutral registers like news and media, the phrase communicates a subtle critique or observation, suggesting an imbalance or over-preparation. While grammatically correct, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided, opting for more precise alternatives like "somewhat excessively". The phrase invites exploring semantically related alternatives such as "a bit too well" or "just a little too well" to fine-tune the intended level of excess. Remember, it's best used to express a subtle sense of overdoing something without necessarily implying detrimental consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a little too well

Adds emphasis to the small degree of excess.

a bit too well

A more informal way of expressing a similar sentiment.

just a tad too well

Uses a more casual and colloquial tone.

somewhat excessively well

Emphasizes the excess more explicitly than "slightly".

almost excessively well

Highlights that the action is nearly excessively well.

perhaps overly well

More formal and emphasizes the potential for negative consequences.

scarcely too well

Emphasizes the narrow margin by which something is excessive.

maybe a shade too well

Uses a more nuanced and subtle tone to express the slight excess.

marginally excessively well

A more formal and technical way of expressing a similar idea.

frighteningly well

Suggests a high level of proficiency that is almost unsettling.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly too well" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly too well" to describe something done with a degree of excess that is just beyond what is considered appropriate or expected. For example: "He performed "slightly too well" on the exam, raising suspicions about his study methods."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly too well"?

Alternatives include "a bit too well", "somewhat excessively well", or "just a little too well", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "slightly too well"?

It implies that something was done with a level of perfection or intensity that seems almost artificial, rehearsed, or perhaps even suspicious. It suggests a subtle imbalance or over-preparation.

Is there a negative connotation when using the phrase "slightly too well"?

The connotation can be subtly negative, implying a lack of authenticity or an excess that borders on being unnatural. It suggests that the action might have been contrived or overdone.