a small modification

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small modification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a change that is relatively minor or insignificant compared to other changes. For example, "We made a small modification to the program's code to increase its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a small modification, the same is true in general relativity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may sound like a small modification but it completely changes the way you play on defence.

Independent

Lennon's sentences are often diptychs, as well, exhibiting some image or incident twice, with only a small modification of effect.

The New York Times - Books

"The focus of the civic authorities is not on safety but on checking who is making a small modification to the structure, so that they can pressure the person to pay a bribe," said Rahul Srivastava, the other co-founder of URBZ.

The New York Times

EB flow control entails only a small modification to CSMA, preserving its distributed character.

Performance Evaluation

However, a small modification of the interface is required to ensure a unique solution.

Journal of Computational Physics

For the method, we use a small modification of the spline functions in order to eliminate the singularity.

Mathematical Sciences

For decoding, we used the HDecode command from HTK-3.4.1 with a small modification to handle DNN output.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The transmission of acceleration readings can be accomplished with a small modification of the microcontroller's program (see Section 4).

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

By a small modification of the proof of Lemma 7 in [7], we have the following result.

Advances in Difference Equations

By default, it has the multiplicative homomorphic property but a small modification enables addition, as seen in [22].

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small modification", be specific about what is being modified and why. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a small modification" when the change is actually significant. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small modification" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "modification". It generally acts as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small modification" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that denotes a minor change or adjustment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently used in scientific and technical writing, but also suitable for general communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the change is indeed minor to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives include "a minor adjustment" or "a slight alteration". Remember to be specific about what is being modified for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor adjustment

Changes the noun from "modification" to "adjustment", implying a slight change to fine-tune something.

a slight alteration

Replaces "modification" with "alteration", suggesting a small change that doesn't fundamentally change something.

a modest change

Uses "change" instead of "modification", focusing on the humility of the adjustment.

a minimal revision

Substitutes "modification" with "revision", indicating a slight correction or improvement.

a limited adjustment

Emphasizes the constraint or scope of the change with "limited".

a small revision

Uses "revision" to indicate a slight alteration for improvement or correction.

a little change

Replaces "small modification" with "little change", using a more informal tone.

a minor tweak

Uses the informal term "tweak" to suggest a very small adjustment.

a subtle shift

Indicates a change that is delicate or understated.

a marginal difference

Highlights that the change results in only a slight difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small modification" to indicate a minor change or adjustment made to something. For example, "We implemented "a small modification" to the software to improve its performance."

What are some alternatives to "a small modification"?

Alternatives include "a minor adjustment", "a slight alteration", or "a modest change". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a small modification" formal or informal?

"A small modification" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "a minor revision" or "a limited adjustment".

How does "a small modification" differ from "a major overhaul"?

"A small modification" indicates a minor change, while "a major overhaul" suggests a complete and extensive restructuring or renovation. The former implies minimal disruption, whereas the latter implies significant alteration.