a few modifications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few modifications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to making small changes or adjustments to something, such as a document, plan, or design. Example: "The project is almost complete, but it needs a few modifications before we can submit it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a few modifications.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

GT3 could use a few modifications in its interface.

The New York Times

As, given a few modifications, it deserves to.

The Guardian - Music

But with a few modifications, we manage just fine.

The New York Times

A few modifications later, this arrangement now holds up to 8,000 pounds.

The New York Times - Travel

It preserves most of the rules of tennis with a few modifications for sand and speed.

The New York Times - Sports

For the last 125 years, although there have been a few modifications to the piano, it hasn't really changed much.

The New York Times

The cockpit also has a few modifications.

Forbes

I'm loving how with a few modifications, these next-gen consoles are becoming true media centers.

TechCrunch

DNA extraction was performed using the method described by Doyle (1987) with a few modifications.

Rice

In the cluster mode a few modifications were needed for execution of analytical queries.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a few modifications" with specific details about the changes made. For example, instead of saying "the design needs a few modifications", specify "the design needs "a few modifications" to the color palette and font size".

Common error

Avoid using "a few modifications" when the changes are actually substantial or numerous. This can mislead the audience about the amount of work involved or the degree of alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few modifications" functions as a quantifying adjective phrase followed by a noun. It indicates that there are some, but not many, changes made. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few modifications" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that minor changes or adjustments have been made. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual extent of the changes to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "minor alterations" or "slight changes" depending on the desired nuance. Remember clarity is key so provide context to what is being modified. Avoid using the phrase if the changes are substantial as the meaning could be misleading. With a high expert rating and common occurrence, "a few modifications" remains a reliable choice for conveying small adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some slight adjustments

Replaces "few" with "slight", emphasizing the small nature of the changes and replacing "modifications" with "adjustments."

minor alterations

Substitutes "a few" with "minor" and "modifications" with "alterations", focusing on the insignificance of the changes.

slight changes

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "modifications" with "changes" and emphasizing the small degree of change.

some limited revisions

Replaces "a few" with "some" and "modifications" with "limited revisions", which suggests changes within certain constraints.

small adaptations

Replaces "modifications" with "adaptations", highlighting changes made to suit a new purpose or condition.

slight refinements

Suggests that changes are made to improve something that is already good, using more elevated vocabulary.

some tweaks

Uses a more informal term, "tweaks", to indicate small and quick adjustments.

a handful of adjustments

Replaces "a few" with "a handful", adding a slightly more descriptive, though still informal, feel.

minimal adjustments

Emphasizes the reduced amount of changes, showing the low impact of the adjustments.

a couple of alterations

Substitutes "a few" with "a couple", offering a numerically specific yet still small quantity of changes, using "alterations" instead of "modifications."

FAQs

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

You can use "a few modifications" to indicate that something has been slightly altered. For instance, "The recipe requires "a few modifications" to reduce the sugar content".

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

Alternatives include "minor alterations", "slight changes", or "some adjustments". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a few modifications" or "minor changes"?

Both "a few modifications" and "minor changes" are correct and generally interchangeable. "Modifications" might be slightly more formal than "changes", but the difference is minimal. Use what fits best with the tone of your writing.

When should I use "a few modifications" instead of "major revisions"?

"A few modifications" implies small, incremental changes, while "major revisions" suggests significant, extensive alterations. Choose "a few modifications" when the changes are relatively small and do not fundamentally alter the original item.