a marginal adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or minor change made to something, often in a technical or analytical context. Example: "After reviewing the data, we decided that a marginal adjustment to the parameters would improve the overall performance of the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The information on income was available only at a zip code level, which allowed marginal adjustment for socio-economic status.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The forces say that it was always their intention to engage with the police and crime commissioners (PCC) once they are appointed in November, and "the marginal adjustment in approach allows them (should they so wish) a greater opportunity to engage and participate in shaping the outcome of any deal".

The Guardian

Indeed, large fiscal consolidation measures are supposed to have a disproportionately higher impact on the probability to undertake structural reforms compared to marginal adjustment in the fiscal balance.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

These, however, would be marginal adjustments to a magnificent machine.

The Guardian

As for health care, a difficult subject the world over, voters were likelier to prefer marginal adjustments of the system to a fundamental restructuring.

The Economist

As for health care, a difficult subject the world over (see article), voters were likelier to prefer marginal adjustments of the system to a fundamental restructuring.

The Economist

As a result, we assume the current structure of the CDR selection process will by and large stay the same, with only marginal adjustments to the selected population including a full appeals process to which beneficiaries will be eligible.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

One of the most well-known books on the sociology of science (Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolution) argued that leading thinkers will defend their views against any incursion, pushing back marginal adjustments until, finally, the damn bursts and a new wave of research finally breaks through.

BBC

Only marginal adjustments were expected to the present border.

The Economist

But his failure to make anything more than marginal adjustments disappointed hopes that he would follow Chinese and Vietnamese communist leaders in combining capitalist economics and growing social freedom with continued party control.Now, at last, Mr Castro is showing signs of boldness.

The Economist

There would then be marginal adjustments in the producer wages and employment rates.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marginal adjustment", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being adjusted and why the adjustment is considered marginal. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal adjustment" when the change is actually significant. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Use stronger language to reflect substantial changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal adjustment" functions as a noun phrase, where "marginal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "adjustment". It describes the type or extent of the adjustment being made. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marginal adjustment" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase denoting a small or insignificant change. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although examples are currently limited, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, leaning toward a neutral register. When writing, it's crucial to accurately reflect the magnitude of the adjustment to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "a slight alteration" or "a minor modification" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight alteration

Emphasizes the small degree of change, focusing on the alteration itself.

a minor modification

Highlights the insignificance of the change, using the term "minor".

a small tweak

More informal, suggesting a fine-tuning or slight improvement.

a negligible correction

Suggests the adjustment is so small it's almost not worth mentioning.

a fine-tuning

Implies a precise and delicate adjustment to optimize performance.

a subtle shift

Highlights the delicate nature of the adjustment and the resulting change.

a modest revision

Implies the change is not extensive or ambitious, retaining a formal tone.

a minimal alteration

Emphasizes that the alteration is the smallest possible change.

an incremental change

Focuses on the gradual and stepwise nature of the change.

a fractional adjustment

Highlights that the adjustment involves a tiny fraction or proportion.

FAQs

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

Use "a marginal adjustment" to describe a small or insignificant change made to something. For example, "After analyzing the results, we made "a marginal adjustment" to the algorithm to improve its accuracy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight alteration", "a minor modification", or "a small tweak" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a marginal adjustment"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the change made is small, almost negligible, and doesn't fundamentally alter the original thing. It implies a fine-tuning rather than a complete overhaul.

What's the difference between "a marginal adjustment" and "a significant change"?

"A marginal adjustment" implies a small, almost insignificant change, while "a significant change" indicates a substantial alteration that has a noticeable impact. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing.