a modest change in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest change in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small or slight adjustment or modification in a particular context, such as a project, plan, or situation. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we decided to implement a modest change in our marketing strategy to better reach our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A consent decree with Microsoft that the Justice Department signed in 1994, and that a court approved a year later, had mainly focused on a modest change in Microsoft's licensing practices.

The New York Times

The results showed a modest change in the overall water balance of the system.

Journal of Hydrology

A modest change in the internal roof construction was trialed in order to improve thermal comfort.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Non-complementary (random) oligomer sequence demonstrated a modest change in resonant frequency and a non-detectable change in impedance.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Mr. Bloomberg obtained only a modest change in a provision known as Circular 6, which he wanted to eliminate.

The New York Times

This was immediately followed by a modest change in blood ions and glucose in exposed fish shortly after the exposure start.

Science of The Total Environment

The binding of IPTG to native (tetrameric) LacI oDNA complexes also appears to facilitate a modest change in the average homodimer homodimer disposition.

Journal of Molecular Biology

That marks at least a modest change in direction, but it's time for a broader reexamination of rule making and legislation around trading.

Harvard Business Review

But natural gas would see only a modest change in price: in the short term, it would proba­bly replace coal as the chief source of power.

MIT Technology Review

Most Americans eat so badly that even a modest change in the direction of this diet is likely to be of benefit.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But defenders of ID, represented by the Christian-oriented ThoMoreMore Law Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, have taken the stance that the trial was over a trivial issue--a "modest change" in the curriculum, defense lawyer Patrick Gillen called it.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a modest change in", ensure that the subsequent description accurately reflects the scale of the change. Avoid exaggerating the impact or significance of the modification.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest change in" to describe alterations that are, in reality, substantial or transformative. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest change in" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun has undergone a small alteration or adjustment. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest change in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a small alteration or adjustment. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure the described change genuinely reflects its "modest" nature to avoid misleading your audience. Remember alternatives such as "a slight shift in" or "a minor adjustment to" can offer nuanced options for expressing subtle modifications. Therefore, this phrase represents a useful tool for accurately portraying measured developments in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight shift in

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the alteration, focusing on a change in direction or position.

a minor adjustment to

Highlights the act of fine-tuning or correcting something, suggesting a small modification to improve accuracy or performance.

a small alteration in

Focuses on the act of making something different, but only to a limited extent.

a marginal difference in

Emphasizes the minimal impact or significance of the change, suggesting it's barely noticeable.

a subtle variation in

Highlights the delicate and understated nature of the change, suggesting it may be difficult to detect.

a limited modification of

Stresses the constrained scope of the change, indicating that it's confined to specific aspects or elements.

a gentle transition in

Suggests a smooth and gradual shift, emphasizing the ease and fluidity of the change.

a tempered revision to

Implies a balanced and restrained approach to modifying something, suggesting careful consideration and moderation.

a partial transformation of

Highlights the incomplete nature of the change, suggesting that only certain aspects have been altered.

a measured refinement to

Focuses on the precise and deliberate nature of the change, emphasizing the attention to detail and skillful execution.

FAQs

How can I use "a modest change in" in a sentence?

You can use "a modest change in" to describe a small alteration or adjustment. For example, "There was "a modest change in" the company's policy regarding remote work."

What are some alternatives to "a modest change in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a slight shift in", "a minor adjustment to", or "a small alteration in".

Is it appropriate to use "a modest change in" in formal writing?

Yes, "a modest change in" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and clear way to describe a small modification.

What's the difference between "a modest change in" and "a significant change in"?

"A modest change in" indicates a small or minor alteration, while "a significant change in" implies a more substantial and impactful transformation.