a small improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small improvement" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or slight improvement in a situation or outcome. Example: After implementing the new strategy, we saw a small improvement in our sales numbers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To-date, the activity and stability of catalysts during DRM reaction have been improved only by a small improvement.

Applied Petrochemical Research

That's a small improvement.

The New York Times

Total sleep time indicated a small improvement.

Sleep Medicine Reviews

He's not a small improvement but a major one imho.

The Guardian - Sport

Even a small improvement could cut global carbon emissions significantly.

MIT Technology Review

It's a small improvement but oh my, is it useful.

Independent

Already some of the services have seen a small improvement in recruiting.

The New York Times

One million dollars might sound like an awfully big prize for such a small improvement.

The New York Times - Magazine

The other dressings didn't hit homers either, but they were a small improvement.

The New York Times

The rounded balance of -11% was a small improvement on -18% in October's poll.

The Guardian - Business

Those 2011 results showed a small improvement in English and maths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small improvement", clearly specify what aspect has improved to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "a small improvement in fuel efficiency" is more informative than simply "a small improvement".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a small improvement". Ensure your language accurately reflects the modest nature of the change to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small improvement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a minor positive change or advancement. This usage aligns with examples found in various sources, indicating its role in expressing incremental progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small improvement" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor positive change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's versatile, appearing across various contexts, from scientific research to news reports. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly specify what has improved and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "a minor advancement" or "a slight betterment" can add variety to your writing. Remember that precise language ensures clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor advancement

Replaces "improvement" with "advancement", suggesting a slight step forward.

a slight betterment

Substitutes "improvement" with "betterment", focusing on the act of becoming better.

a marginal gain

Uses "gain" instead of "improvement", highlighting the achieved benefit.

a modest step up

Replaces "improvement" with "step up", indicating a move to a higher level.

a subtle enhancement

Substitutes "improvement" with "enhancement", suggesting a refined upgrade.

a limited progress

Uses "progress" instead of "improvement", emphasizing forward movement, but acknowledges that progress is limited.

a narrow margin of growth

Conveys a slight increase, using "growth" to suggest gradual expansion.

a diminutive upgrade

Replaces "improvement" with "upgrade", suggesting a functional advancement that is diminutive in scale.

an incremental development

Substitutes "improvement" with "development", portraying a gradual process.

a hairline enhancement

Uses "enhancement" indicating a very slight or subtle improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small improvement" to describe a minor positive change. For example: "The new software update brought "a small improvement" to the user interface."

What are some alternatives to saying "a small improvement"?

Alternatives include "a minor advancement", "a slight betterment", or "a marginal gain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a small improvement" or "a significant improvement"?

The choice depends on the magnitude of the change. Use "a small improvement" when the change is minor, and "a significant improvement" when the change is substantial.

What's the difference between "a small improvement" and "a slight adjustment"?

"A small improvement" indicates a positive change, while "a slight adjustment" suggests a minor modification that may not necessarily be an improvement. For example, you might make "a slight adjustment" to the settings, hoping for "a small improvement" in performance.