made small changes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made small changes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to minor adjustments or modifications that have been implemented in a particular context, such as a project or document. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I made small changes to the report to improve clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

After Mr. Hiaasen made small changes, he asked to read it again.

The New York Times

When we have made small changes, they've responded with further updates within hours.

The Guardian - Tech

To avoid arousing suspicion, UBS employees routinely made small changes to submissions, the complaint detailed.

The New York Times

He explained that he had made small changes to my translation that had rendered an already garbled text completely useless.

The Guardian - Travel

For example, in 1999, with little controversy or notice, Congress made small changes in the Children's Health Insurance Program, two years after its original passage.

The New Yorker

Within the existing floor plans, he made small changes, like extending the wall between the kitchen and the living room to add more counter space.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

We have also made smaller changes to text to improve clarity and readability.

eLife

Some trips end up life-changing, others reinforce your choices, some inspire you to make small changes.

Huffington Post

We will make small changes.

The New York Times

"It's about making small changes every day.

The Guardian

Instead, consider making small changes to your routine.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing iterative improvements in a process or product, use "made small changes" to indicate that the evolution was gradual and not revolutionary.

Common error

Avoid using "made small changes" when the modifications significantly altered the outcome. Instead, opt for phrases that accurately reflect the magnitude of the changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made small changes" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed on something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the nature of adjustments or alterations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made small changes" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe minor adjustments or modifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and wiki environments. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to ensure that its use accurately reflects the scale of the changes. Related phrases such as "implemented minor adjustments" and "introduced slight modifications" can offer alternatives for more formal or nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made subtle adjustments

Uses the word 'subtle' instead of 'small' to emphasize the slight nature of the changes.

implemented minor adjustments

Focuses on the act of implementing adjustments that are not major.

introduced slight modifications

Emphasizes the introduction of modifications, keeping them subtle.

applied subtle revisions

Highlights the application of revisions that are delicate and not immediately apparent.

applied minor tweaks

Uses 'tweaks' to suggest small, quick adjustments.

instituted minor alterations

Stresses the formal institution of alterations that are of little consequence.

introduced fine-tuning

Replaces 'changes' with 'fine-tuning', indicating precise and delicate adjustments.

effected slight amendments

Focuses on the effecting or bringing about of amendments that are barely perceptible.

instituted incremental modifications

Highlights the gradual nature of the modifications.

undertook slight refinements

Replaces 'changes' with 'refinements', implying improvements and polishing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made small changes" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "implemented minor adjustments", "introduced slight modifications", or "instituted minor alterations".

Is it correct to say "did small changes" instead of "made small changes"?

While understandable, "did small changes" is less idiomatic and grammatically standard than "made small changes". "Made" is the more appropriate verb in this context.

What is the difference between "made small changes" and "made significant changes"?

"Made small changes" implies minor adjustments that do not drastically alter the original state. "Made significant changes" suggests substantial alterations that result in a noticeable difference.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "made small changes"?

Use "made small changes" when describing iterative improvements, subtle modifications, or minor adjustments to a process, document, or object. It indicates that the changes were not drastic or revolutionary.