a few adjustments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few adjustments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to minor changes or modifications that need to be made to something. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized that a few adjustments were necessary to improve its clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We found a few adjustments already," she said.

The New York Times

Everyone else, however, has a few adjustments to make.

The New York Times - Style

He made a few adjustments, but not many since Sundance.

The New York Times

I just need to make a few adjustments.

The New York Times - Sports

After a few adjustments, I was escorted to the set.

The New Yorker

After a few adjustments, she hit the bull's-eye.

The New York Times - Style

But with a few adjustments, restaurant meals can be a wonderful and healthful experience.

Harvard University

Mr. Obama signed off on the initial outline, after making a few adjustments.

The New York Times - Tech

"I asked Kerry Collins, 'You like this?' I made a few adjustments.

The New York Times - Sports

It might need a few adjustments but we will hopefully work on that first".

The Guardian - Sport

With a few adjustments, it became the theme to "Dr. No".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few adjustments", ensure the context clarifies what is being adjusted and why. Be specific about the area or aspect being modified for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a few adjustments". Using the phrase implies minor changes; if the modifications are substantial, opt for terms like "significant revisions" or "major overhaul" to accurately reflect the extent of the changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few adjustments" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it indicates that some modifications are needed. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few adjustments" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that minor modifications or refinements are needed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the extent of changes aligns with the phrase's implication of being minor, and to clearly specify the areas undergoing adjustment. Alternatives like ""minor changes"" or ""slight modifications"" can be used depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of modifications

Replaces "few" with "couple", indicating a slightly more specific quantity of changes.

some minor changes

Substitutes "adjustments" with "minor changes", emphasizing the small scale of the alterations.

a handful of tweaks

Uses "handful" to suggest a small quantity, and "tweaks" for very small adjustments.

slight alterations

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the changes with "slight alterations".

minor revisions

Replaces "adjustments" with "revisions", suggesting a more formal review and correction process.

a small number of refinements

Uses "small number" for quantity and "refinements" to suggest improvements in quality.

a touch of fine-tuning

Implies precise and delicate adjustments with "fine-tuning".

some necessary corrections

Focuses on the need for accuracy and error removal with "corrections".

a bit of tweaking

Uses "bit" to indicate a small amount and "tweaking" for minor adjustments.

slight modifications

Similar to "slight alterations", but uses "modifications" for a more general term for changes.

FAQs

How can I use "a few adjustments" in a sentence?

You can use "a few adjustments" to indicate that only minor changes are needed. For example, "The design is good, but it needs "a few adjustments" before it's perfect."

What are some alternatives to saying "a few adjustments"?

Alternatives include "minor changes", "slight modifications", or "a couple of tweaks", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a few adjustments" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few adjustments" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when referring to minor corrections or refinements. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using "minor revisions" or "slight modifications".

What's the difference between "a few adjustments" and "major changes"?

"A few adjustments" indicates small, relatively insignificant changes, whereas "major changes" implies substantial alterations that significantly impact the overall outcome or structure.