incremental changes

USAGE SUMMARY

"incremental changes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to changes that are made gradually over time, rather than in one large step. For example, "The company implemented incremental changes to the production process to increase efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Two or three years of the right incremental changes could amount to an economic revolution in today's India.

Huffington Post

Incremental changes, all of them.

Independent

It's more incremental changes in treatment.

The Guardian

"This is about making small, incremental changes".

The New York Times

Only the most incremental changes, therefore, are even remotely possible.

The Guardian

We follow the story but make incremental changes.

The New York Times - Arts

"Major shifts depend on incremental changes," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

As a result, we must be content with incremental changes.

The New York Times

The incremental changes had turned it into this other thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some analysts see the possibility for positive, if incremental, changes.

The New York Times

Because you'd notice these incremental changes: "Oh look, they've bought a synthesiser".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for change, emphasize that "incremental changes" can lead to substantial long-term benefits, making the idea more palatable to those resistant to radical shifts.

Common error

Avoid dismissing "incremental changes" as insignificant. While they may seem minor individually, their cumulative effect can be transformative over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incremental changes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the concept of modifications or alterations that occur gradually, in small steps, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incremental changes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe gradual modifications or improvements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When writing, remember that while individual "incremental changes" might seem small, their cumulative effect can be significant. Be aware that they are not inherently positive; their impact depends on the specific nature of the changes. Alternatives like "gradual adjustments" or "progressive modifications" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual adjustments

Focuses on the pace of change being unhurried and steady.

progressive modifications

Emphasizes the forward-moving nature of the changes.

step-by-step improvements

Highlights the sequential and positive nature of the alterations.

small-scale alterations

Stresses the limited scope of each individual change.

minor adjustments

Indicates that the changes are not significant or drastic.

gradual transitions

Highlights the process of moving from one state to another in small steps.

piecemeal reforms

Suggests a fragmented approach to change, done bit by bit.

evolutionary shifts

Implies changes that occur naturally and gradually over time.

measured progress

Focuses on the careful and deliberate nature of the advancements.

successive refinements

Highlights the iterative nature of the changes, with each step improving upon the last.

FAQs

How can I use "incremental changes" in a sentence?

"Incremental changes" can be used to describe gradual improvements or modifications, as in "The company implemented "incremental changes" to its workflow to boost productivity".

What are some alternatives to saying "incremental changes"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "gradual adjustments", "progressive modifications", or "step-by-step improvements".

Are "incremental changes" always positive?

"Incremental changes" themselves are neutral. Their impact depends on the specific changes being made. They can lead to improvements, but they can also lead to negative outcomes if not implemented carefully.

What's the difference between "incremental changes" and "radical transformation"?

"Incremental changes" refer to small, gradual adjustments, while "radical transformation" implies a complete and fundamental change. The former is a slow, evolutionary process, while the latter is a fast, revolutionary one.