a small variation

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "a small variation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a minor alteration or difference in something. For example, "The recipe needed just a small variation to make it perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each take presents a small variation.

The New Yorker

A small variation on that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A small variation makes the particle system fire to the side.

Cornell University

The proposed equations, which are simple to use, yield reliable predictions with a small variation.

Engineering Structures

On the other hand, a small variation of the laser wavelength results in an overall shift of the full Mollow triplet.

Nature

Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that a small variation in the cookstove operating parameters or fuel properties drastically changes emission.

Energy

In most applications of microwave (MW) heating there is only a small variation in the nature of the feed.

Minerals Engineering

Especially the sensitivity of fresh SCC properties to a small variation in water content can be found in literature.

Construction and Building Materials

The harmonic force represented a small variation about the mean clamping force exerted by the brake upon the rotor.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The retardance could be adjusted to ∼90° by a small variation in the external angle of incidence.

Measurement

Because Libor is so important to the loan and debt markets, the potential impact of even a small variation in the rate could trigger enormous losses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental results or data sets, use "a small variation" to acknowledge minor fluctuations or differences without implying significant impact.

Common error

Avoid dismissing "a small variation" as unimportant; even seemingly minor differences can be crucial in certain contexts, especially in scientific research or financial analysis. Always consider the potential implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small variation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It identifies a minor difference or deviation, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small variation" is a versatile phrase used to denote minor differences or alterations across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While its implications should not be dismissed outright, it's crucial to consider the context and potential significance of even seemingly minor differences. As evidenced by the frequent appearance in scientific and news sources, the phrase maintains a relatively neutral to formal tone, emphasizing its suitability for various professional and academic applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight change

Focuses on the alteration aspect, implying a minor modification.

minor adjustment

Emphasizes the act of tweaking something to a small degree.

tiny difference

Highlights the minimal degree of dissimilarity between two things.

marginal difference

Suggests the difference is so small it's barely noticeable.

subtle alteration

Implies the change is not immediately obvious or easily detected.

modest shift

Focuses on a slight movement or change in position or direction.

minimal deviation

Highlights a small departure from a standard or norm.

narrow margin

Describes a small space or degree of difference between two values or limits.

fine distinction

Emphasizes a difference that is so subtle it requires careful observation.

small degree of change

A more verbose way of expressing the concept of a slight alteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small variation" to describe a minor difference or alteration. For example, "There is "a small variation" in the recipes, but both use the same process".

What's the difference between "a small variation" and "a significant variation"?

"A small variation" refers to a minor or slight difference, while "a significant variation" indicates a substantial or noteworthy difference that could have important consequences.

Which is correct, "a small variation" or "a little variation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a small variation" is often preferred in more formal or technical contexts, while "a little variation" is more common in informal settings.

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

You can use alternatives like "slight change", "minor adjustment", or "tiny difference" depending on the context.