a small update

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small update" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or insignificant piece of information that is being shared. Example: "I just wanted to provide a small update on the project. We have made some progress on the design and are now moving on to the next phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

A few weeks ago we rolled out a small update to the website, with luck you didn't notice.

The Guardian

A small update on wireless charging: it's also supported by the Apple Watch series 3 and the new Airpods.

The Guardian - Tech

A small update to the iPhone app is expected shortly after Apple's iOS 7 launch this Wednesday with a more significant one following it.

Independent

Anyone who has bought a copy of GTA 5 will have free access to the online portion of the game, though a small update will have to be downloaded from either the PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.

Independent

With only 42 delegates at stake, the Badger state only offers a small update to the delegate tally and the assessments of the likelihood that any candidate will reach a majority of the delegates before Cleveland.

The Washington Post

There is a lot of new science to add to Sagan's original 1980 series, which got a small update a decade later: dark matter, dark energy, the Higgs boson, genetic technologies, synthetic biology, and a multitude of new theories and discoveries for us all to get our heads around.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The menu at Hudson Cafeteria alternates between fusion favorites and comfort classics, some with a small updated twist, like the foie gras appended to macaroni gratin like a ball and chain, or the quinoa that adds an international note to a salad of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing.

The New York Times - Food

where is the luminance pixel of incoming frame, and are the current and updated background pixel, respectively, and is a small updating weighting factor.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

We might see some early sketches of what's been licensed, or a smaller update.

Independent

Android users only get a smaller update this time, which includes quick search bar integration and an improved tablet interface.

TechCrunch

This developer preview 2 launch follows a smaller update that came through earlier so that developers could get this latest build of Lion through the Mac App Store.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small update" to downplay the significance of a change, particularly if you want to avoid alarming users or stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "a small update" when the changes are actually significant. Misrepresenting the scope of an update can damage trust and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small update" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it often describes changes or additions to software, websites, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small update" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to minor changes or additions. As Ludwig AI shows, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key: be specific about what the update entails to avoid confusion. While the term is generally neutral in tone, it's important to accurately represent the scope of the changes to maintain trust and credibility. Related alternatives include "a minor adjustment", "a slight modification", and "a tiny enhancement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor adjustment

Focuses on the aspect of tweaking or refining something slightly.

a slight modification

Emphasizes the act of altering something to a small degree.

a modest revision

Highlights the idea of reviewing and making changes that are not drastic.

a tiny enhancement

Focuses on the improvement aspect, emphasizing its small scale.

a limited amendment

Stresses the restricted scope of the change.

a little tweak

Implies a quick and easy adjustment.

a gentle refinement

Highlights the subtle and delicate nature of the change.

an incremental change

Focuses on the gradual and step-by-step nature of the update.

a patch

Refers specifically to a fix or improvement, often in software or technology.

a bug fix

Specifically addresses the correction of errors or malfunctions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small update" to refer to minor changes or additions, as in, "We've made "a small update" to our privacy policy."

What's the difference between "a small update" and "a major overhaul"?

"A small update" refers to minor changes or improvements, while "a major overhaul" indicates significant, extensive revisions. They differ in the scale and impact of the changes being made.

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor adjustment", "a slight modification", or "a tiny enhancement" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a small update" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider alternatives like "a minor revision" or "a limited amendment" for a more professional tone.