slight increase
زيادة طفيفة
Use it to describe a small upward change when you want to sound precise and composed.
En 15 secondes
- A small, gentle rise in amount, level, or intensity.
- Perfect for professional reports or polite daily observations.
- More sophisticated than saying 'it went up a little'.
Signification
This phrase describes a small, often barely noticeable change where something goes up just a little bit. It is perfect for when you want to be precise but stay calm about a change.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting
We noticed a slight increase in website traffic this month.
We noticed a slight increase in website traffic this month.
Talking about the weather
There will be a slight increase in temperature tomorrow afternoon.
There will be a slight increase in temperature tomorrow afternoon.
Texting a friend about a bill
My gym membership had a slight increase in price, ugh.
My gym membership had a slight increase in price, ugh.
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Anglo-American preference for 'understatement' and precision in professional settings. It became a staple of business English in the mid-20th century as data reporting became more common. It allows speakers to remain objective and avoid emotional bias when discussing changes.
The 'Just' Rule
If you want to sound even more natural, add 'just' before it: 'There was just a slight increase.' It makes the change sound even smaller.
Don't use with 'Big'
Never say 'a big slight increase.' It's a contradiction! If it's big, use 'significant increase' instead.
En 15 secondes
- A small, gentle rise in amount, level, or intensity.
- Perfect for professional reports or polite daily observations.
- More sophisticated than saying 'it went up a little'.
What It Means
Imagine you are pouring water into a glass. You stop just as it reaches the brim. That tiny bit you added at the end? That is a slight increase. It is not a jump or a surge. It is a gentle nudge upward. In English, we use this to talk about numbers, feelings, or even the volume of a TV. It suggests that while things are higher, the world isn't ending. It is a very measured and calm way to describe growth.
How To Use It
You usually place slight increase after a verb like 'there is' or 'we saw'. You can also use it as a noun phrase. For example, 'There was a slight increase in the price of coffee.' It sounds very natural and polished. You can use it for money, temperature, or even your heart rate. It is like the 'seasoning' of English descriptions—it adds just enough detail without being dramatic. Don't overthink it; just use it when 'a little bit more' feels too casual.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when the news is okay but not amazing. Use it when talking to your doctor about your blood pressure. It is great for texting a friend about how much more you're exercising lately. If you are writing an essay, this phrase is your best friend. It makes you sound like you have a great handle on the English language. It is the safe, middle-ground choice for almost any scenario involving growth.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if the change is actually huge. If your rent doubles, calling it a slight increase sounds like a very dry joke. Do not use it for things that don't have levels. You can't have a slight increase in being dead or being pregnant. Also, if you are at a high-energy party, it might sound a bit too 'office-speak'. In those cases, just say 'it went up a bit' to keep the vibe casual.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'understatement'. We often prefer to sound calm rather than excited. Using slight increase instead of 'it got bigger' shows a level of sophistication. It comes from a culture of data and observation. It is a very 'safe' phrase that avoids conflict. It lets you report a change without making people panic or celebrate too early.
Common Variations
You might hear people say marginal increase or minor increase. These are very similar but sound even more technical. If you want to be more casual, you could say a bit of an increase. If you're feeling fancy, try incremental rise. However, slight increase is the gold standard. It is the most versatile version you will find in daily conversation.
Notes d'usage
This is a very safe 'neutral' phrase. It fits in 90% of situations where something has gone up by a small amount. Just ensure you don't use it for massive changes, or you might sound sarcastic.
The 'Just' Rule
If you want to sound even more natural, add 'just' before it: 'There was just a slight increase.' It makes the change sound even smaller.
Don't use with 'Big'
Never say 'a big slight increase.' It's a contradiction! If it's big, use 'significant increase' instead.
The British Understatement
In the UK, someone might say 'slight increase' when they actually mean something is quite a bit higher, just to be polite and avoid drama.
Exemples
6We noticed a slight increase in website traffic this month.
We noticed a slight increase in website traffic this month.
Professional way to report growth.
There will be a slight increase in temperature tomorrow afternoon.
There will be a slight increase in temperature tomorrow afternoon.
Commonly used in weather forecasts.
My gym membership had a slight increase in price, ugh.
My gym membership had a slight increase in price, ugh.
Expressing mild annoyance about a small change.
I've noticed a slight increase in the number of gray hairs on my head.
I've noticed a slight increase in the number of gray hairs on my head.
Using formal language for a funny personal observation.
I feel a slight increase in my energy levels since I started the vitamins.
I feel a slight increase in my energy levels since I started the vitamins.
Precise way to describe a physical feeling.
The company announced a slight increase in the annual budget.
The company announced a slight increase in the annual budget.
Standard corporate communication style.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to describe a tiny change in price.
The shop owner said there would be a ___ in the cost of milk.
A 'slight increase' is the natural way to describe a small price adjustment.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
We are happy to report a ___ in customer satisfaction scores.
This is the most grammatically correct and professional choice.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Describing Growth
Used with friends
It went up a bit.
The sweet spot for all situations
A slight increase.
Scientific or legal reports
A marginal increment.
Where to use 'Slight Increase'
Utility Bills
Electricity costs
Cooking
Adding more salt
Work
Sales figures
Weather
Rain chances
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they are very similar. However, slight sounds a bit more professional and precise than small.
Not really for their height, but you can use it for their weight or their heart rate. For example, a slight increase in heart rate.
Absolutely! It is a perfect phrase for essays and research papers to describe data trends.
The opposite is a slight decrease. It follows the same rules and formality levels.
Yes, it works fine in a text, though it might sound a little more serious than just saying 'it's up a bit'.
Usually, it means between 1% and 5%. If it's more than that, people might use 'moderate increase'.
In this form, it is a noun phrase. You can say 'The prices increased slightly' if you want to use a verb.
Yes, you can say 'I felt a slight increase in anxiety' or 'a slight increase in confidence'.
It is neutral. It works perfectly in a business report but won't sound weird if you say it to your neighbor.
People sometimes say 'slight of increase'. Remember, there is no 'of' between the two words.
Expressions liées
Marginal gain
A very small improvement or profit.
Modest rise
A small to medium increase that isn't boastful.
Steady growth
An increase that happens at a consistent, slow pace.
Tick up
An informal way to say a small increase occurred.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement