changed slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"changed slightly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that a small change has been made, usually to something that was previously established. For example, "The rules of the game have been changed slightly to make it more fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Times have changed slightly.

The Guardian

The company's direction changed slightly.

The New Yorker

(That changed slightly last June).

The New Yorker

The compression modulus changed slightly.

Composite Structures

"But after 9/11, things changed slightly.

The Guardian

But the Border Patrol's message changed slightly on Friday.

The Washington Post

That changed, slightly, in late 2012, when Lutz was evaluated.

The Washington Post

The deafening honk changed slightly as the match continued.

The New York Times

(The name was later changed slightly to broaden its scope).

The New York Times

This year, on Alexi Lalas's podcast, his opinion changed slightly.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be changed slightly, to "UBS PaineWebber, thank you".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "changed slightly" to convey a sense of minor modification without implying a significant overhaul or complete transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "changed slightly" when the modification is substantial or has a major impact; opt for phrases like "changed significantly" or "transformed completely" instead to accurately reflect the magnitude of the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changed slightly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the extent to which an action or state has been altered. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that a small change has occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

57%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changed slightly" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate a minor modification. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, denoting a small change to something previously established. It appears frequently in both news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the degree of change is accurately represented to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "altered marginally" or "modified subtly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altered marginally

Indicates a small degree of alteration.

modified subtly

Highlights the delicate and understated nature of the modification.

adjusted minimally

Emphasizes the small extent of the adjustment.

shifted incrementally

Implies a gradual change over time.

tweaked gently

Suggests a careful and delicate adjustment.

improved incrementally

Highlights the beneficial aspect of the change, suggesting a gradual betterment.

transformed modestly

Emphasizes the change in appearance or form, but to a limited extent.

evolved gradually

Points to the gradual progression or development over a period.

reconfigured subtly

Focuses on the slight rearrangement or restructuring of elements.

adapted incrementally

Emphasizes the progressive adjustment to new conditions or requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "changed slightly" to describe a minor modification, such as "The recipe was "changed slightly" to reduce the sugar content" or "The company's policy "changed slightly" after the new regulations were introduced."

What are some alternatives to "changed slightly"?

Alternatives include "altered marginally", "modified subtly", or "adjusted minimally". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "changed slightly" or "changed significantly"?

The choice depends entirely on the extent of the change. "Changed slightly" implies a minor adjustment, while "changed significantly" indicates a substantial alteration. Assess the degree of change to select the appropriate phrase.

What's the difference between "changed slightly" and "remained the same"?

"Changed slightly" indicates a minor modification has occurred, while "remained the same" means there has been no change at all. They are opposite in meaning.