Japanese version available [here]
Theme
The subtle differences between “a little,” “little,” and “slightly.”
Introduction
When learning English, there are moments when you pause and think, “Wait, is this really how I use it?”
I experienced exactly that while writing my previous article, when I briefly hesitated: should it be a little tricky? 👉 (You can read my previous article here.)
For example:
🔹It’s a little tricky. ✅
🔹It’s slightly tricky. ✅
🔹It’s little tricky. ❌
Why does little tricky sound unnatural, while a little tricky is perfectly fine?
In this mini column, we’ll explore these “small doubts” and examine the nuances of English carefully.
Example Sentences and Key Points
Example Sentences
🔹It’s a little tricky.
🔹It’s slightly tricky.
🔹It’s little tricky. ❌
Key Points
The key point here isn’t just grammatical correctness, but the subtle shades of meaning that these expressions convey.
Explanations
Explanation 1: “a little” functions as an adverbial phrase
🔹Originally a noun phrase, a little can work as an adverbial phrase to modify adjectives.
🔹It shifts from the literal meaning of “a small amount” to express “a small degree,” modifying adjectives just like very or quite.
Explanation 2: Why “little” has a negative nuance
🔹Little often conveys a sense of “hardly any” or “not much.”
🔹For example: little interest (“hardly any interest”), little money (“almost no money”).
🔹That’s why little tricky, while not grammatically impossible, is hardly ever used and sounds unnatural in real English.
Explanation 3: Differences between “a little” and “slightly”
🔹a little: conversational, soft, conveys the speaker’s subjective feeling
🔹slightly: more formal or written, neutral, understated, and refined
🔹If you want your writing to feel a little more polished and measured, slightly is the natural choice.
Summary: Understanding subtle nuances
| Expression | Focus | Nuance |
| a little | Subjective / speaker’s feeling | Soft, “just a bit” |
| slightly | Objective / formal writing | Understated, refined |
| little | Negative / scarcity “Hardly any” | Sounds unnatural when modifying adjectives |
In English, a little isn’t just a measure of quantity—it’s a subtle “magic” that adds the speaker’s sense and nuance to a statement.
Editor’s Note
This topic came from a small moment of hesitation in my own writing.
Pausing at those tiny moments of doubt is exactly how you can internalise English as your own.
Once you can use a little and slightly instinctively, rather than by rule, your writing and speaking naturally gain your personal touch.
Read #1 and #2 in the series
👉#1: “was” vs “is”: Understanding the Boundary Between Facts and Recollections in English
👉#2: “a little” vs “little”: What’s the Difference? | A Simple Explanation of English Nuance”
