Marginally, Slightly, Considerably
Explore small changes, large differences, and subtle comparisons through short fictional reports.
Preview
Questions with solutions-
1. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
How much did the temperature change?
The room became slightly warmer after we closed the window.
- It rose a lot.
- It rose a little.
- It did not change.
The report describes a small difference.
Show solution
- It rose a little.
'Slightly' describes a real but small change; it does not mean that nothing changed.
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2. Complétez le blanc.
The new delivery route cut travel time from an hour to half an hour. Journeys are now ___ shorter.
- considerably
- slightly
- marginally
Travel time has been cut in half.
Show solution
The new delivery route cut travel time from an hour to half an hour. Journeys are now considerably shorter.
'Considerably' signals a large difference. Halving the journey time is more than a small improvement.
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3. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
How does the suitcase's weight compare with the limit?
The travel report notes that the suitcase is marginally above the airline's weight limit.
- Well above the limit.
- Just below the limit.
- Just above the limit.
Consider both 'marginally' and 'above'.
Show solution
- Just above the limit.
'Marginally above' means just over a boundary. Even a very small excess can put something outside a limit.
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4. Complétez le blanc.
The café manager reported a ___ increase in weekend sales after the menu changed.
- considerably
- considerable
Here, 'increase' is a noun.
Show solution
The café manager reported a considerable increase in weekend sales after the menu changed.
Use the adjective in 'a considerable increase', but the adverb in 'sales increased considerably'.
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5. Complétez le blanc.
The maintenance report says the revised system is considerably ___ than the old one.
- most reliable
- reliably
- more reliable
The word 'than' introduces a comparison.
Show solution
The maintenance report says the revised system is considerably more reliable than the old one.
'Considerably' can strengthen a comparative: 'considerably more reliable' or 'considerably faster'.
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6. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
Which word describes the size of the change, rather than its pace or timing?
Sales rose gradually, then jumped suddenly after an ad campaign. They are now considerably higher.
- considerably
- gradually
- suddenly
A change can be large regardless of how quickly it happens.
Show solution
- considerably
Degree adverbs describe how much. 'Gradually' and 'suddenly' describe how a change happens.
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7. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
Which pair of monthly fees fits the report?
The new plan is slightly less expensive than the old one.
- Old plan: $40. New plan: $20.
- Old plan: $40. New plan: $39.
- Old plan: $40. New plan: $41.
Check both the direction and the size of the price change.
Show solution
- Old plan: $40. New plan: $39.
'Less expensive' gives the downward direction; 'slightly' limits the size of the drop.
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8. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
Which summary matches the review?
After the update, the app is marginally faster but considerably harder to use.
- A large speed gain, but only a small increase in difficulty.
- Small improvements in both speed and ease of use.
- A small speed gain, but a large increase in difficulty.
The two changes differ in size, and only one is an improvement.
Show solution
- A small speed gain, but a large increase in difficulty.
Degree adverbs show size, not whether a change is good or bad. 'Considerably harder' describes a large negative change.
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9. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
What does the report tell us about the result?
After repairs, the machine is considerably quieter, but it is still too loud for the reading room.
- There was a large improvement, but the machine remains unsuitable.
- The large improvement means the machine is now suitable.
- The machine remains unsuitable because it improved only a little.
Compare the improvement with the final requirement.
Show solution
- There was a large improvement, but the machine remains unsuitable.
A large improvement does not always mean a required standard has been reached.
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10. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
Which possibility does the report rule out?
The new supplier's prices are not considerably lower than the old supplier's.
- A small price decrease.
- A large price decrease.
- No price change.
Notice exactly what 'not' denies.
Show solution
- A large price decrease.
'Not considerably lower' denies a large decrease. It does not establish whether there was a small decrease or no decrease.
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11. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
When was the rent lowest?
This month's rent is considerably lower than in January, but marginally higher than last month's.
- In January.
- This month.
- Last month.
Track the reference point after each 'than'.
Show solution
- Last month.
Each comparison has its own reference point: January for the large drop, last month for the small rise.
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12. Choisissez la bonne réponse.
Why can both descriptions be true?
At two cafés, a coffee used to cost $4.00 and $4.10. Prices are now $4.10 and $4.30. Both prices rose slightly, but the gap grew considerably.
- The gap started small, so small price changes could make it much bigger relative to its original size.
- A considerable increase in the gap requires one café's price to fall.
- When both prices rise slightly, the difference must stay the same.
Compare the original price difference with the new difference.
Show solution
- The gap started small, so small price changes could make it much bigger relative to its original size.
The gap doubled from ten cents to twenty cents. A change can be small in dollars but large relative to its starting value.