slightly under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly under" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a quantity or measurement that is just below a certain level or amount. Example: "The temperature today is slightly under 70 degrees Fahrenheit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The answer was, slightly under 40%.

The Guardian - Books

Maddow was slightly under the weather, and sipped hot water.

The New Yorker

Car loans are currently slightly under 7percentt.

The New York Times

Ties improved slightly under Singh, but remain frosty.

The Guardian

Ties have improved slightly under Singh, but remain frosty.

The Guardian

To the knee, over the knee, or just slightly under?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Slightly under-ripe fruits are best for jellies and jams.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Slightly under-ripe fruit makes better jam, because it has a higher acidity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, after a complete weekend out, I felt slightly under-fabulous.

The New York Times - Style

Don't wait until the knife emerges spotless, though – better to slightly under- than over-cook it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though the sequence was slightly under-exposed, Spielberg was happy with the result.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly under" in technical writing, ensure the context provides a clear reference point for the comparison. For example, "The model predicted results that were slightly under the actual values, necessitating further calibration."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly under" when the difference is substantial. "Slightly" implies a small margin; using it for significant discrepancies can mislead the reader. For example, if the actual cost was $100 and it was estimated at $60, do not say that the estimation was "slightly under" the real value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly under" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which something is below a certain level. As illustrated by Ludwig, it modifies quantities, measurements, or expectations to indicate a small shortfall.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly under" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something is just a little below a specified level. As validated by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial modifier and maintains a neutral tone. It's best suited for scenarios where the difference is genuinely small. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that the context accurately reflects this minor deviation to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just below

Indicates a position or amount immediately beneath a specified level.

a bit less than

Emphasizes a small difference in quantity or degree.

marginally below

Highlights a very small difference, often implying that the variance is almost negligible.

somewhat beneath

Implies a degree of being lower, often used in a more figurative or abstract sense.

fractionally under

Suggests the amount is minutely less than a given value.

barely short of

Indicates being just under a certain amount, often suggesting that the shortfall is insignificant.

scarcely under

Emphasizes that the quantity is only just below a specific amount.

a shade below

A more idiomatic way of saying something is a little bit less than.

nearly beneath

Highlights the nearness to being under without explicitly stating it is.

almost not reaching

Expresses the idea that the thing in question didn't quite achieve a target value.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly under" to indicate that a value is a little less than a specified amount. For example, "The temperature was "slightly under" 20 degrees Celsius" or "The project cost came in "slightly under" budget".

What are some alternatives to "slightly under"?

Alternatives to "slightly under" include "just below", "a bit less than", or "marginally below depending on the context".

Which is correct, "slightly under" or "a little under"?

Both "slightly under" and "a little under" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you're aiming for.

What's the difference between "slightly under" and "significantly under"?

"Slightly under" implies a small difference, while "significantly under" indicates a much larger and more noticeable difference. Use "slightly" when the variance is minimal and "significantly" when the variance is substantial.