changing slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"changing slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to express an idea of subtle or incremental change. For example, "The forecast for tomorrow's weather is changing slightly, with a chance of light rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's changing slightly now but there's very little for other teams and coaches to look at.

The Guardian - Sport

Such freakishly unusual interventions are signs that attitudes towards openness are changing slightly in the UK.

The Guardian

This tactile sequence moved rapidly around the hall several times, changing slightly with every pass.

The New York Times - Arts

"My role is changing slightly and that's quite exciting for me because I can probably develop myself," Flower said.

The Guardian - Sport

(The latter part was spare but not severe; it kept changing slightly, shaped and pulled on by the other players).

The New York Times - Arts

Until recently the valley has tried to keep as far away from politics as possible, but this is changing slightly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There was a possibly significant decrease in serine, changing from slightly above the average neurotypical value to slightly below.

BMC Pediatrics

There were possibly significant increases in arginine and glycine, with both changing from slightly below the average neurotypical value to slightly above.

BMC Pediatrics

Changing tack slightly: what makes you laugh?

The Guardian - Music

"An odd thing," he says, changing tack slightly.

The Guardian - Music

I cycled through every dish I knew, changing them slightly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "changing slightly" when you want to convey a sense of subtle or incremental modification, avoiding exaggeration or overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "changing slightly" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. This can make your text sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "adjusting subtly" or "shifting incrementally" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changing slightly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent or degree of change. As seen in Ludwig, it qualifies how something is changing, implying a minor or subtle alteration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changing slightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase that describes a subtle or incremental alteration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and science to the arts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the degree of change you intend to convey, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Consider alternatives like "modifying marginally" or "adjusting subtly" for variety. With its neutral register and common occurrence, "changing slightly" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifying marginally

Emphasizes a small degree of modification.

shifting incrementally

Highlights the gradual nature of the change.

adjusting subtly

Focuses on the delicate and understated nature of the adjustment.

evolving gradually

Suggests a slow and natural development over time.

transforming gently

Implies a mild and non-forceful transformation.

altering imperceptibly

Emphasizes that the change is difficult to notice.

varying minutely

Highlights the extremely small degree of variation.

revising delicately

Focuses on careful and precise revision.

tweaking marginally

Suggests making small adjustments to improve something.

adapting gradually

Highlights the slow process of becoming suitable for a new situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "changing slightly" to describe a minor modification or adjustment. For example, "The company's policy is "evolving gradually" in response to customer feedback" or "The recipe requires "adjusting subtly" the amount of spice to achieve the desired flavor."

What are some alternatives to "changing slightly"?

Some alternatives to "changing slightly" include "modifying marginally", "adjusting subtly", or "shifting incrementally". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "changing slightly" formal or informal?

"Changing slightly" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "revising delicately" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

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

"Changing slightly" indicates a minor, often barely noticeable alteration. In contrast, "changing significantly" implies a substantial and noticeable transformation. The choice between the two depends on the degree of change you want to emphasize.