a small deviation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small deviation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor change or difference from a standard, norm, or expected outcome. Example: "The experiment showed a small deviation from the predicted results, which prompted further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rules are devilishly complicated, and the accounting penalties for a small deviation can seem excessive.

The New York Times

She tells how she pushed her husband to barrel ahead with her doomed plan for national health-care coverage, and in a small deviation from the account by Blumenthal, who is not even mentioned until page 422 of her book, she takes a good deal of the credit for organizing the Third Way discussions with Prime Minister Blair.

The New Yorker

For the smallest scale, the effect of a small deviation from geometric similarity was also investigated.

Chemical Engineering Science

The course of the curves is similar with a small deviation of 1.1 % in maximum stress.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

There is a small deviation in the difference between minimum contamination and maximum contamination.

Applied Adhesion Science

However, a small deviation of SROCC can be observed in measuring the JPEG2000 distortion.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

A small deviation from a simple additive function is observed with very high-LET iron ions combined to X-rays.

Advances in Space Research

Abnormal grains adjacent to the holes with a small deviation from one of the low-index orientation relationships were observed.

Acta Materialia

The evolution of cell structures with strain amplitude at 650 °C resulted in a small deviation from Masing behavior.

International Journal of Fatigue

Furthermore, a small deviation of the tuning condition may cause amplitude- and phase-modulated motions and chaotic vibrations.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This means that a small deviation of this standard notch leads to large deviations in the results.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small deviation", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being deviated from. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a small deviation" to describe changes that are, in fact, quite substantial. This can mislead your audience and undermine the accuracy of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small deviation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a minor alteration or difference. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small deviation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor difference or variance from a standard or expected outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, this phrase helps to acknowledge that something may not be exactly as anticipated, but the difference is not substantial enough to significantly alter the overall outcome or conclusion. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a slight variation without exaggerating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor alteration

Focuses on the act of changing something slightly.

a slight variance

Emphasizes the difference or degree of change.

a minimal difference

Highlights the insignificance of the difference.

a negligible change

Stresses that the alteration is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a fractional modification

Indicates a very small or tiny change.

a tiny adjustment

Suggests a correction to make something more accurate or effective.

a marginal shift

Emphasizes a change in position or direction, but to a limited extent.

a hairline divergence

Implies a very subtle departure from a set course or opinion.

a modest fluctuation

Highlights the irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

a subtle departure

Indicates a discreet or delicate move away from established practice.

FAQs

How can I use "a small deviation" in a sentence?

Use "a small deviation" to describe a minor difference or variation from a norm, expectation, or standard. For example, "The experimental results showed "a small deviation" from the predicted values."

What are some alternatives to "a small deviation"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor alteration", "a slight variance", or "a minimal difference" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a small deviation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small deviation" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe minor differences or variations, particularly in scientific, technical, or business contexts.

What's the difference between "a small deviation" and "a large deviation"?

"A small deviation" refers to a minor or insignificant difference, while "a large deviation" indicates a substantial or significant difference. The choice between the two depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing.