change slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "change slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to alter or vary in a small or minor way. You can use it when explaining a subtle change in something or someone. Example: The instructions for this recipe may need to be changed slightly to accommodate for dietary restrictions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The order of fund family names will change slightly.

The New York Times

That cast is expected to change slightly by next year.

The New York Times - Sports

It now stands at 13, though that number may change slightly after Tuesday.

The New York Times

(Management says hours may change slightly and Tuesday night may be added in the future).

The New York Times

In that case, the distance between the mirrors and the laser would change slightly.

The New Yorker

As he assembled the clips, the themes began to change slightly.

The New York Times

Definitions of success change slightly with every conflict, making comparisons from war to war imperfect.

The New York Times

Just like Hadsell's approach, that pays off when the rules change slightly.

The Guardian - Tech

Sandbars are usually cyclical, and breaks change slightly year to year.

The New York Times - Sports

Those figures are estimates and could change slightly once the N.B.A. completes its annual postseason audit.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The possible response options were 'much better', 'slightly better', 'no change'slightlytly worse', or 'much worse'.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental results or data analysis, use "change slightly" to indicate minor variations that do not significantly impact overall conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "change slightly" when the alteration is substantial. If the impact is considerable, choose stronger verbs like "transform", "overhaul", or "revolutionize" to accurately reflect the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change slightly" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a minor modification or alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase describes something that is altered or varied in a small way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "change slightly" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to indicate a minor modification or adjustment. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it signifies a small alteration without implying a major transformation. It's grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts like science, news, and wiki articles, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the change you are describing is indeed minor; otherwise, consider using stronger verbs to better reflect the magnitude of the alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alter marginally

Indicates a change to a small degree, emphasizing the minimal impact of the alteration.

modify marginally

Similar to "alter marginally", it focuses on making a minor adjustment or change.

shift imperceptibly

Highlights a change that is so subtle it's almost impossible to notice.

adjust subtly

Emphasizes the delicate and understated nature of the adjustment.

vary minutely

Focuses on very small variations or differences.

transform gradually

Highlights the slow pace of the change, implying it happens over time.

evolve incrementally

Describes a change that occurs in small, progressive steps.

develop subtly

Similar to "adjust subtly", it implies a delicate and understated evolution.

undergo minor revision

Highlights that the change is a type of review or correction that isn't extensive.

experience slight modification

Uses more formal language to convey the same meaning as "change slightly".

FAQs

How can I use "change slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "change slightly" to indicate a minor alteration or adjustment. For example, "The recipe's instructions may "need to be adjusted" to accommodate dietary restrictions."

What's the difference between "change slightly" and "change significantly"?

"Change slightly" indicates a minor alteration, while "change significantly" suggests a major or substantial transformation. The choice depends on the degree of impact the change has.

What are some alternatives to "change slightly"?

You can use alternatives such as "alter marginally", "modify slightly", or "adjust subtly" depending on the context.

Is "change slightly" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "change slightly" is appropriate for formal writing, but you may also consider more formal alternatives like "undergo minor revision" or "experience slight modification" if desired.