a slight change

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slight change' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a small modification or adjustment. For example, "I made a slight change to the recipe, substituting olive oil for coconut oil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A slight change in the program.

The New York Times - Sports

this is a slight change from previous years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A slight change this month in the Reading group.

The Guardian - Books

And blackcaps may never evolve differences beyond a slight change in wing and beak shape.

University of California, Berkeley

During the mid 1980's there was a slight change to the numbering system.

Cornell University

Not sure what it is – a slight change in demeanour, something about his general bearing.

The Guardian - Sport

A slight change of direction is not an admission of failure.

The Guardian

This decision is a slight change from the one they made at the end of September.

The New York Times

He told Sky Sports News: "I feel it is coming to a slight change in era.

The Guardian

"A slight change in height makes a big difference," Batt said.

The New Yorker

In this context, it's worth noting a slight change that Twitter made recently.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight change" when you want to downplay the magnitude of a modification. This can be useful when reassuring stakeholders that adjustments are not drastic.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight change" if the alteration significantly impacts the outcome. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the degree of modification to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight change" functions as a noun phrase, where "slight" modifies the noun "change". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily serving to denote a minor adjustment or alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight change" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a minor modification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves to inform about small adjustments, often with the intent of downplaying their significance. When employing this phrase, ensure the degree of change aligns with the adjective "slight" to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "a minor adjustment" or "a subtle variation" can be used to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor adjustment

Implies a small correction or alteration.

a small modification

Suggests a limited alteration to something.

a subtle variation

Highlights a barely perceptible difference.

a marginal difference

Emphasizes the insignificance of the change.

a gentle shift

Indicates a gradual and smooth change.

a modest alteration

Conveys a restrained or limited change.

a touch of modification

Emphasizes the delicacy and subtlety of the change.

a shade of difference

Suggests a very minimal or almost imperceptible change.

a tweak

Implies a fine adjustment to improve something.

a refinement

Signifies an improvement made by introducing small changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight change" to indicate a minor modification or adjustment. For example, "There's "a slight change in plans", we'll meet at 3 PM instead of 2 PM."

What are some alternatives to "a slight change"?

Alternatives include "a minor adjustment", "a small modification", or "a subtle variation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a slightly change" instead of "a slight change"?

No, "a slightly change" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a slight change", where "slight" is an adjective describing the noun "change".

What's the difference between "a slight change" and "a major change"?

"A slight change" indicates a small or insignificant modification, while "a major change" signifies a significant or substantial alteration. The choice depends on the scale of the adjustment.