a minor improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor improvement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small or slight enhancement or change in a process, product, or situation. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we decided to implement a minor improvement to the user interface to enhance usability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although significant genotype-habitat associations exist, modification of the underlying clines according to vegetation type did not improve the fit of clines, and modification by elevation provided only a minor improvement.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Clifton is a minor improvement.

The New York Times - Sports

One Indian newspaper said MacKeown's home was "only a minor improvement on a typical Indian slum".

The Guardian

But the scheme is a minor improvement on a compulsory scheme, under which only 660 refugees have been settled.

The Guardian

The net approval score for Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg remains consistent at -44, a minor improvement on -46 at the start of the month.

The Guardian

The Final Proposal is a minor improvement which continues to fall short of the Board's view of value and has been rejected".

The Guardian - Business

Santorum told the devout in Kalamazoo that the Obama Administration was a threat to their liberties, but that Romney would be only a minor improvement.

The New Yorker

Walker said she also saw May's rise to the top as a way to increase the numbers of women in politics, despite only a minor improvement in the number of women in the cabinet compared with David Cameron's team.

The Guardian

Accounts of this vary; its egalitarianism meant that while the middle classes experienced a drastic decline in the quality and quantity of their diet, for many of the poor it was a minor improvement.

The Guardian - Books

The 34 m.p.g. on the highway is a minor improvement over the 33 in the regular C.V.T. vehicle, and city mileage (the hybrid's sweet spot) increases from 25 to 28.

The New York Times

The CV was reduced until about 200 photons/voxel, and a minor improvement in CV was obtained thereafter.

EJNMMI Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor improvement", consider quantifying the improvement whenever possible to provide more concrete information. For instance, instead of saying "The software update offers a minor improvement", specify "The software update offers a minor improvement in loading speed, reducing it by 10%."

Common error

Avoid using "a minor improvement" when the change is actually substantial. Overstating the smallness of the improvement can undermine the positive impact and credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor improvement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a change that is positive but limited in scope or impact. This phrase is often used to temper expectations or to accurately represent the scale of an enhancement, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor improvement" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a small positive change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, from scientific reports to news articles, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide context or quantify the improvement to enhance clarity. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, be mindful of overstating or understating the significance of the improvement to maintain credibility. By considering these aspects, you can effectively incorporate "a minor improvement" into your writing to accurately convey information about positive changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight enhancement

Focuses more on the process of making something better rather than the measurable result of the improvement.

a small adjustment

Emphasizes the act of making a change, often to fine-tune or correct something.

a marginal gain

Highlights the incremental increase or advantage achieved, often in a competitive or statistical context.

a modest advance

Suggests a more formal or significant step forward, albeit not a major one.

a subtle refinement

Focuses on the delicacy and precision of the improvement, implying a sophisticated touch.

a negligible upgrade

Highlights the fact that the improvement is so small that is almost insignificant.

an incremental step

Emphasizes that the improvement has been achieved gradually, bit by bit.

a limited advancement

Highlights the boundary of the improvement.

a tame amelioration

Highlights the improvement without adding anything new or without much emotional impact.

a superficial modification

Highlights the fact that the change is not really important or that is only cosmetic.

FAQs

How can I use "a minor improvement" in a sentence?

You can use "a minor improvement" to describe a small positive change. For example, "The new version of the app includes "a minor improvement" in battery usage."

What are some alternatives to "a minor improvement"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a slight enhancement", "a small adjustment", or "a marginal gain" instead of "a minor improvement".

Is it always necessary to quantify "a minor improvement"?

While not always required, quantifying the improvement can make your statement more impactful and informative. If possible, provide specific numbers or metrics to illustrate the change.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a minor improvement"?

Avoid using "a minor improvement" if the change is significant or transformative. In such cases, phrases like "a major upgrade" or "a significant advancement" would be more appropriate.