a delicate adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor or subtle change that requires careful handling or precision. Example: "After several trials, we finally made a delicate adjustment to the settings that improved the machine's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some of the droplets became charged and could be suspended by a delicate adjustment of the electric field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a delicate adjustment in the face of these new realities — and the resilience of the uprising — Hezbollah has shifted its tone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it takes a lot of delicate adjustment to overlay a torrent of data on top of a trickle of voice on a mile-long strand of copper.

Forbes

The present study found a significant difference between 0D and +1D for the latency and amplitude of M100, thereby supporting the view that electrophysiological measures are applicable for delicate adjustments to a lens.

BMC Ophthalmology

When a sound engineer can make a group of violins sound like a trumpet, or a weak-toned instrument sound strong, all the delicate adjustments of orchestral performance are placed in jeopardy.

The New Yorker

There were two delicate adjustments to the Jacobs score.

The New York Times - Arts

Delicate adjustments of her body language and tone sufficed, without ruffling the beauty and steadiness of her singing.

The New York Times - Arts

The argument over Iraq has come just when NATO, the EU and the UN are making delicate adjustments.

The Economist

Nevertheless, as results of the present study illustrated, delicate adjustments of temperature and duration of this step are important for optimum sensitivity of SNP discrimination in DNA pools.

Plosone

Despite their overtly obnoxious methods (talking over each other, invading personal space, even shoving), the performance itself relied on a delicate structure of skits, using non sequiturs and subtle mood adjustments to move it along.

The New York Times - Arts

Theirs is a delicate task.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate adjustment", ensure the context implies a need for precision and careful handling. This phrase is particularly suitable when discussing sensitive instruments, strategic decisions, or subtle changes in complex systems.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate adjustment" when describing large-scale or obvious changes. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the modification is subtle and requires a nuanced approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate adjustment" functions as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "adjustment". It typically describes an action or process requiring careful and precise manipulation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate adjustment" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a change requiring precision and care. Ludwig AI confirms this. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, Forbes and Encyclopedia Britannica, primarily within news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives such as "a precise modification" or "a subtle alteration" can be used to vary the phrasing. When using "a delicate adjustment", it's important to reserve it for situations where the change is indeed subtle and demands a nuanced approach, avoiding overuse in contexts where larger, more obvious modifications are being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise modification

Replaces "delicate" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

a subtle alteration

Substitutes "delicate" with "subtle", highlighting the understated nature of the change.

a fine-tuning

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise term, focusing on optimization.

a careful calibration

Emphasizes the meticulous nature of the adjustment.

a sensitive manipulation

Highlights the need for careful handling during the adjustment.

a nuanced refinement

Focuses on the subtle improvements made through the adjustment.

a slight correction

Indicates a minor adjustment to rectify an issue.

a gentle tweak

Emphasizes the ease and care involved in the adjustment.

a strategic revision

Highlights the purposeful nature of the adjustment towards a specific goal.

a considered alteration

Stresses that the adjustment was carefully thought out.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate adjustment" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate adjustment" to describe a situation where something requires a small, precise change. For example, "The machine needed "a delicate adjustment" to function properly".

What's the difference between "a delicate adjustment" and "a minor change"?

"A delicate adjustment" implies a need for precision and care, whereas "a minor change" simply refers to a small alteration without necessarily suggesting the same level of sensitivity.

What can I say instead of "a delicate adjustment"?

You can use alternatives like "a precise modification", "a subtle alteration", or "a fine-tuning" depending on the context.

Is "a delicate adjustment" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a delicate adjustment" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precision is important. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "a careful calibration" for maximum impact in highly formal settings.