make a small change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a small change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor adjustment or modification in a process, document, or situation. Example: "To improve the report, we just need to make a small change to the introduction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Rarely do members of Congress get the chance to make a small change that can have such a big difference.

The New York Times

Don't use too much code, and don't just make a small change to an existing exercise or copy text directly from the reading.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An artist wants to make a small change in the world, to cut a little piece out of it," he said.

The New Yorker

It's much better to make a small change: the less you notice your schedule being disrupted, the more you'll notice the positive impact".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Your best procedure, if you want to make a small change in an assignment and aren't sure whether we'll let you do it without lateness penalty, is to submit the change and then ask us.

University of California, Berkeley

"Now is the time to make a small change in the law so insurers and consumers can take advantage of technology and avoid those annoying fix-it tickets," he said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In institutions like ours, even making a small change takes a lot of work and effort.

Harvard University

Traditional mutation testing makes a small change to the syntax of a description (usually a program) in order to create a mutant.

Science of Computer Programming

Seven foreign airlines have made a small change on their single-aisle Airbus jets to ease that feeling of being squeezed into a middle seat.

The New York Times - Travel

If everyone made a small change – don't charge things overnight, switch off things on standby, wash on 30C – it could make a big difference".

The Guardian

I think, with our video that visualized the original comic, backed by a name like MIT, we made a small change to the collective narrative on STEM fields, and who exactly "belongs" in the scientific community.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Focus on the intent or impact of the change. Instead of just stating you'll "make a small change", describe how that change will improve the situation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a small change. Ensure your language accurately reflects the scale of the adjustment to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a small change" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of implementing a minor modification. This is supported by Ludwig AI indicating that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a small change" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of implementing a minor adjustment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure the scale of the change is accurately represented to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "implement a minor adjustment" or "apply a slight modification" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a slight adjustment

Similar, but replaces "small" with "slight", offering a different nuance.

implement a minor adjustment

Focuses on the act of implementing, suggesting a more formal or deliberate action.

apply a slight modification

Emphasizes the modification itself, highlighting its subtle nature.

adjust slightly

Focuses on the act of adjustment, suggesting a fine-tuning process.

introduce a minor alteration

Uses "alteration" instead of "change", implying a more formal or technical context.

change slightly

Simplifies the original phrase, removing the emphasis on the scale of the change.

tweak slightly

More informal, suggesting a quick and easy adjustment.

make a minor revision

Implies a written or edited context, suggesting a correction or improvement.

make a subtle difference

Shifts focus from the action to its result, highlighting the subtlety of the impact.

make a marginal improvement

Focuses on the positive outcome of the change, emphasizing its beneficial nature.

FAQs

How can I use "make a small change" in a sentence?

You can use "make a small change" to indicate a minor adjustment or modification is needed or has been implemented. For example, "To improve the user experience, we need to "make a small change" to the interface".

What are some alternatives to "make a small change"?

Alternatives include "implement a minor adjustment", "apply a slight modification", or "make a slight adjustment", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it better to "make a small change" or "make a big change"?

The choice depends on the situation. "Make a small change" is suitable for minor improvements or adjustments, while "make a big change" is appropriate for significant overhauls or transformations.

How does "make a small change" differ from "make a significant change"?

"Make a small change" implies a minor alteration with limited impact, whereas "make a significant change" suggests a substantial modification with considerable consequences.