a major adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant change or modification in a situation, process, or behavior. Example: "After moving to a new city, I found that making new friends was a major adjustment for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

Critical Care

The New York Times

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Family members provide the majority of this care, and half of these family members have made a major adjustment to their own working lives.

Critical Care

"That's a major adjustment," Mr. Jones said.

The New York Times

Knowing when and where those passes will land, however, is "a major adjustment," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

And expressing himself without using his hands was a major adjustment, akin to a hearing person being rendered speechless.

The New York Times

Open-wheel drivers face a major adjustment in racing stock cars, which are much heavier and less dependent on downforce.

The New York Times - Sports

"Something is wrong with our elections, and our electoral system needs a major adjustment," the former Soviet leader said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Republicans have said they would not accept any major adjustment to the deal negotiated with the White House.

The New York Times

Ultimately, Conrad's policy did not cause any major adjustment in relations between the bishops and the empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their love affair inspired a final, major adjustment in his focus.

The New York Times - Arts

Proud fanbois will need to undergo a pretty major adjustment in their mindset, being ever-mindful of their bat-life situation, and remembering to bring a charger with them everywhere.

TechCrunch

Large errors in supply projections could cause an imbalance between supply and demand, and as a result major adjustments in training inflow would be needed.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major adjustment", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being adjusted and why the adjustment is significant. This enhances clarity and provides valuable context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a major adjustment" when the change is relatively minor. Ensure that the adjustment truly represents a significant shift or adaptation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major adjustment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to describe a significant change or modification. This phrase is used to indicate that something needs to be changed significantly in order to continue to function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major adjustment" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a significant change or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While it maintains a neutral register, ensuring clarity and context when using the phrase will enhance communication. Consider using alternatives like "a significant change" or "a substantial modification" depending on the desired nuance. Remember that while the phrase is acceptable and widely understood, it should accurately reflect the scale of the change being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant change

Replaces "major adjustment" with more general terms, indicating a notable alteration but without necessarily implying difficulty or adaptation.

a substantial modification

Focuses on the act of changing something, often in a more formal or technical context, rather than the adaptation process.

a considerable alteration

Similar to "substantial modification" but can also imply a change in character or quality.

a drastic shift

Suggests a sudden and potentially disruptive change, carrying a stronger connotation than "major adjustment".

a fundamental transformation

Implies a deep, structural change that affects the core nature of something, going beyond a simple adjustment.

a complete overhaul

Indicates a thorough revision or renovation, suggesting a more extensive change than a "major adjustment".

a paradigm shift

Refers to a change in thinking or approach, often in a scientific or philosophical context.

a learning curve

Highlights the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills to adapt to a new situation, focusing on the educational aspect of change.

a period of adaptation

Emphasizes the time and process required to become accustomed to new circumstances.

a tough transition

Focuses on the difficulty and challenges associated with change, highlighting the potential for discomfort or struggle.

FAQs

How to use "a major adjustment" in a sentence?

You can use "a major adjustment" to describe a significant change or adaptation needed in various contexts. For example: "Moving to a new country required "a major adjustment" to my lifestyle".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant change", "a substantial modification", or "a considerable alteration" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "major adjustment" or "minor adjustment"?

The choice between "major adjustment" and "minor adjustment" depends on the scale and impact of the change. Use "major adjustment" for significant changes and "minor adjustment" for smaller, less impactful alterations.

What's the difference between "a major adjustment" and "a major adaptation"?

"A major adjustment" refers to the process of modifying something, while "a major adaptation" refers to the result of successfully changing to fit new conditions. Adaptation emphasizes the outcome of the change.