a slight variation in

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slight variation in' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a subtle change in something. For example: "We experienced a slight variation in the temperature when the cold front moved in."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a recent study, a slight variation in a particular gene is associated with altruistic behavior.

University of California, Berkeley

With a slight variation in the different areas of Long Island, brokers have their own views on the market, but all agree that it is strong.

The New York Times

Then reality television was invented, opening seemingly unlimited opportunities to follow a slight variation in the traditional path: Be a big star for a while.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite the simplicity, these models are highly sensitive and respond to a slight variation in temperature and insolation.

Energy Reports

A specimen from Thetford showed only a slight variation in intensity along the lines (Fig. C), and a Russian specimen showed no visible variation.

Nature

In fact, for each SNP we tile 40 different 25 bp oligonucleotides, each with a slight variation in perfect matches, mismatches, and flanking sequence around the SNP.

Yale University

There is however a slight variation in critical velocity depending on the weight of the moving mass.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In its simplest form parallelism consists of single words that have a slight variation in meaning: "ordain and establish" or "overtake and surpass".

Encyclopedia Britannica

But U.L. has said that's not good enough, because a slight variation in the mix could result in 16 percent ethanol.

The New York Times

Although mocking someone for a slight variation in the way they say their "r" sound, may seem trivial, the wider implications for this being acceptable in society have more far-reaching effects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Almost every statistical graph the Ministry of Justice produces in this area shows a slight variation in serious incidents of harm or deaths in the nine years before 2012 then an alarming shift upwards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight variation in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being varied. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight variation in" when the change is actually substantial. This can mislead the reader about the true extent of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight variation in" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It typically precedes a noun to describe a minor or subtle difference within something. Ludwig AI confirms that is a common phrase and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

28%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight variation in" is a versatile expression used to denote minor differences across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. The phrase functions as a noun phrase modifier, serving to qualify the degree of change being discussed. While alternatives like "a minor change in" or "a small difference in" exist, "a slight variation in" maintains its relevance due to its precise connotation of subtlety. Ensure the context clarifies what is being varied and avoid using it when the change is substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor change in

Focuses on the small degree of alteration, similar to a slight variation.

a small difference in

Highlights the distinction, but emphasizes its limited scale.

a marginal modification to

Emphasizes the act of modifying something, with the change being small.

a subtle alteration to

Stresses the delicate and not easily noticeable nature of the change.

a negligible shift in

Underlines the insignificance of the change.

a fractional adjustment to

Highlights the precise and minute nature of the adjustment.

a minimal deviation from

Emphasizes the small degree to which something departs from a norm.

a touch of difference in

Suggests a very small and almost imperceptible alteration.

a shade of divergence in

Implies a very subtle difference or separation.

a hair's breadth distinction in

Highlights the extremely fine and almost undetectable difference.

FAQs

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

Use "a slight variation in" to indicate a minor difference or change. For example, "There was "a slight variation in temperature" between the two samples."

What is the meaning of "a slight variation in"?

It means a small or minor change within something. It suggests the change is not significant or drastic.

What are some alternatives to "a slight variation in"?

You can use alternatives such as "a minor change in", "a small difference in", or "a subtle alteration to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a slight variation of" or "a slight variation in"?

"A slight variation in" is generally the preferred and more grammatically correct choice. "A slight variation of" might be used in specific, less common contexts, but "a slight variation in" is applicable more broadly.