few alterations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few alterations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of changes or modifications made to something. Example: "The document was approved with few alterations, ensuring that the main ideas remained intact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The couple made few alterations to the property.

The New York Times

However, a few alterations have had to be made.

Independent

A few alterations were necessary, so she left instructions to mail the things to her home.

The New Yorker

With a few alterations, that could have been a discussion of Byron.

The New York Times - Books

The Railway Labor Act was adopted by Congress in 1926 with few alterations.

The New York Times

Making a few alterations can be a much more attractive route than the expensive and exhausting process of moving.

The Guardian - Money

It would take very few alterations to turn "Hora" into a study of institutionalized psychosis.

The New York Times - Arts

(Khan renamed the Urenco centrifuges the P-1 and the P-2, but, according to investigators in Europe, he made few alterations to the original designs).

The New Yorker

And with the futons whisked away, it becomes a dining room, which with a few alterations can be used in every kind of weather.

The New York Times

For that reason and others, many Greek Orthodox priests here, like Fathers Melissaris and Moulatsiotis, are clamoring for a makeover, or at least a few alterations.

The New York Times

The writer argues that these problems are caused by the fact that the New Money isn't actually new but simply the Old Money with a few alterations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the clarity of your communication, use "few alterations" when emphasizing the changes are minor and do not impact the primary purpose or essence of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "few alterations" when the changes are, in fact, significant or numerous. Using it inappropriately can mislead your audience about the extent of modifications made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few alterations" functions as a determiner + noun combination, modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity of changes or modifications. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, denoting that adjustments made are minimal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few alterations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a small number of changes or modifications. As Ludwig AI points out, its usability is validated by examples across diverse contexts, prominently including News & Media and Scientific publications. Alternatives such as "slight modifications" or "minor revisions" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. It's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects the limited scope of changes to avoid misleading the audience about the extent of the modifications. The phrase serves to assure readers that changes made are minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight modifications

Emphasizes the small degree of change, similar to "few alterations".

minor revisions

Focuses on the act of revising, suggesting corrections or improvements were made.

small adjustments

Highlights the fine-tuning aspect of the changes, indicating precise corrections.

limited changes

Indicates that the number of modifications was restricted or minimal.

minimal amendments

Suggests formal or official corrections that are very small in scope.

a handful of modifications

Uses a more descriptive and informal way to quantify the changes.

some slight changes

Directly states the changes were both present and minor.

a couple of modifications

Quantifies the changes more precisely using "couple" instead of "few".

modest adjustments

Emphasizes that the adjustments were humble and not radical.

superficial changes

Highlights that the changes were only on the surface and not deeply impactful.

FAQs

What does "few alterations" mean?

The phrase "few alterations" refers to a small number of changes or modifications made to something. It implies that while there have been some changes, they are not extensive or major.

How can I use "few alterations" in a sentence?

You can use "few alterations" to indicate that something has been modified slightly. For example, "The design was approved with "few alterations" after the initial review."

What are some alternatives to "few alterations"?

Alternatives to "few alterations" include "slight modifications", "minor revisions", or "small adjustments", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "few alterations" or "a few alterations"?

Both "few alterations" and "a few alterations" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Few alterations" emphasizes the small number of changes, while "a few alterations" simply acknowledges that there were some changes.