a small modification.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small modification." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor change or adjustment that needs to be made to something. Example: "After reviewing the document, I realized that a small modification was necessary to improve clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Britannica

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

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

After that, even a small modification for a feature of the model becomes purely dependent on geometric and topological manipulations.

Advances in Engineering Software

This applies whether the design is for a new facility or a small modification to an existing facility.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Hence, its implementation is simple; it just needs a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller.

Aerospace Science and Technology

The algorithm itself is quite general and seamless, and it amounts to a small modification of the original SSA.

Journal of Computational Physics

Because of modest cellular potency of compound 2 (68% inhibition at 2 µM), a small modification of the hydantoin substituent was attempted to improve the cellular potency while maintaining the inhibitory activity.

Nature

We also show that the additions required beyond the convolutions can be minimized by a small modification to the convolution algorithms.

Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small modification" to highlight that a new facility is built on an existing structure, that there is little danger for the environment or the people involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a small modification" when the changes are actually substantial or require significant resources. This can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small modification" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "with a small modification") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small modification" is a commonly used phrase to denote a minor adjustment or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse fields, including science and news. When employing this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects a minor change to prevent miscommunication. Alternatives like "minor adjustment" or "slight alteration" can offer nuanced expressions depending on the specific situation. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional environments, while carefully chosen wording can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting something slightly, rather than the modification itself.

a slight alteration

Emphasizes the act of altering something, highlighting the change made.

a tiny revision

Highlights the size and nature of the change being made, framing it as an improvement.

a minimal change

Emphasizes the limited extent of the change, making it seem as unintrusive as possible.

a minor tweak

More informal and suggests a light, quick fix to improve something.

a subtle refinement

Suggests the change enhances or improves something already in place, making it more polished.

a marginal difference

Focuses on the effect of the change, emphasizing that it is small and perhaps not very noticeable.

a limited amendment

Highlights that change is officially allowed and legally valid under certain conditions.

a modest adjustment

Emphasizes the act of adjusting something, and its limited size.

a small variation

Suggests that the difference is one within a range of possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small modification" to indicate a minor change or adjustment. For example, "A small modification to the code improved its efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "a small modification"?

Alternatives include "minor adjustment", "slight alteration", or "tiny revision", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a small modification" or "minor change"?

Both "a small modification" and "minor change" are acceptable. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "A small modification" might be preferred when referring to a specific adjustment made to something.

What does "a small modification" imply about the scope of changes?

Using "a small modification" implies that the changes are limited in scope and do not fundamentally alter the original thing. It suggests that the core structure or function remains largely intact.