a small alteration of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small alteration of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor change or modification made to something, such as a document, design, or plan. Example: "The report required a small alteration of the data presented in the previous version to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With a small alteration of Nets to Mets, this pithy saying applies today.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to a number of surgeons, the transverse laparotomy offers some advantages compared to the midline laparotomy, such as a less postoperative pain, a smaller alteration of the respiratory function, and better aesthetic results.

BioMed Research International

Please be careful in altering the ingredients because a small alteration can change the name of the recipe.

WikiHow

However, we cannot exclude the possibility that these transcription activators are modified differently in response to heat stress in cdc48-3 cells and that CLN1 promoter may be more sensitive to the small alteration of these proteins.

Plosone

This allowed us to confirm in a controlled manner how small alterations of the algorithm handled a particular problem.

EJNMMI Physics

The fitness gradients express how the expected number of adult offspring of a focal individual changes in response to small alterations of its phenotype.

Genetics

It has been 20 years since it was first reported that a genetic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder was not caused by small alterations of the coding deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, but by genomic rearrangements and gene dosage effects (Lupski et al, 1991).

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Oligonucleotides, which are much smaller probes, usually 25 60 bp, may detect small alterations that would not be seen using a BAC microarray, but oligonucleotide arrays are more likely to detect small alterations of unclear clinical significance.

BioMed Research International

The changes are corrections of typographical errors and small alterations of language to address concerns the judge raised in court last Wednesday.

The New York Times

These "small" alterations of isozyme structure are sufficient to allow the design of new, isoform-selective drugs.

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators

Results reported here highlight how small alterations of the native temporin B primary structure can influence dramatically its properties.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small alteration of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered and why the alteration is necessary for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a small alteration of" when the change significantly alters the outcome or function. In such cases, a stronger term like "transformation" or "major overhaul" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small alteration of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a prepositional complement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing minor changes. It indicates that something has been slightly modified, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small alteration of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase suitable for describing minor modifications across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is essential to use this phrase when the impact of the change is genuinely small to avoid overstatement. The phrase frequently appears in scientific and news-related content, making it useful in more formal communications. When aiming for a different tone, alternatives such as "a slight modification of" or "a minor adjustment to" can provide subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight modification of

Replaces "alteration" with "modification" and "small" with "slight", emphasizing the minor nature of the change.

a minor adjustment to

Substitutes "alteration" with "adjustment", highlighting the act of making something fit or function better with a specific end.

a subtle change in

Replaces "alteration" with "change" and "small" with "subtle", focusing on changes that are not immediately obvious.

a minimal variation of

Uses "variation" instead of "alteration", indicating a difference from a standard or norm.

a limited adjustment of

Replaces "small" with "limited", suggesting a restriction in the scope or extent of the adjustment.

a reduced version of

Highlights the outcome of the alteration, implying a decrease or simplification.

a scaled-down adaptation of

Focuses on the adjusted form as an adaptation that has been made smaller or less extensive.

a narrow refinement of

Emphasizes precision and exactness in the process of making the small alteration

a diminutive shift in

Uses "shift" instead of "alteration" which implies a change in position, direction, or tendency.

a marginal amendment to

Replaces "alteration" with "amendment" to introduce a formal revision that enhances accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "a small alteration of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small alteration of" to describe a minor change made to something. For example: "A small alteration of the design improved its functionality."

What can I say instead of "a small alteration of"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight modification of", "a minor adjustment to", or "a subtle change in depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a small alteration of" or "a small alteration to"?

While both are understandable, "a small alteration of" is generally preferred when emphasizing the thing being changed, whereas "a small alteration to" focuses more on the result. "A small alteration of the recipe made it taste better" versus "A small alteration to the document."

What's the difference between "a small alteration of" and "a major change to"?

"A small alteration of" implies a minor adjustment that doesn't fundamentally change something, while "a major change to" indicates a significant transformation with substantial impact.