make subtle changes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make subtle changes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to minor adjustments or modifications that are not immediately obvious but can have an impact. Example: "To improve the overall design, we decided to make subtle changes to the color scheme and layout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"They're trying to make subtle changes and be the good guys," he said.

The New York Times

With those passengers in mind, software companies have been trying to make subtle changes that will not anger advertisers.

The New York Times

He said he would not automatically bring in a whole new panel of assistants and planned to make subtle changes to the support staff.

The Guardian - Sport

And what really communicates emotion may not be melody or rhythm, but moments when musicians make subtle changes to the those musical patterns.

The New York Times - Science

Takano has an encyclopedic knowledge of French cooking, which allows him to make subtle changes that completely renew a classic dish.

Independent

Their ability to hit the ball at pace, make subtle changes to their running lines and off-load before and in the tackle has been a part of their culture for the past 25 years.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's about making subtle changes in his game.

The New York Times

For most faces, the software made subtle changes, with the person's essence and character largely intact.

The New York Times

Hutley writes all the scripts himself, making subtle changes each year, and he's as faithful as he can be to the Gospel text.

Independent

He described one senior official spending several hours poring over the story boards for the Olympic film, and making subtle changes.

The New York Times

Ford said it improved fuel economy by using lighter steel to remove about 100 pounds, and by making subtle changes like designing a more aerodynamic bumper and tailgate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for improvement without drastically altering the original, use "make subtle changes" to convey the idea of gentle refinements.

Common error

Avoid using "make subtle changes" when the modifications are actually significant or transformative. This can mislead your audience about the extent of the revisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make subtle changes" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates an action of modifying something in a way that is not immediately obvious. It highlights the process of refinement or adjustment rather than a complete overhaul.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make subtle changes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the action of implementing minor adjustments or refinements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While semantically similar alternatives like "implement minor adjustments" exist, "make subtle changes" effectively conveys the idea of gentle and non-disruptive modifications. When using this phrase, ensure that the changes are indeed subtle and that the context aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make slight adjustments

Similar in meaning, this alternative uses 'slight' instead of 'subtle', implying a small degree of change.

implement minor adjustments

Focuses on the action of implementing, suggesting a more deliberate and planned approach to the changes.

introduce slight modifications

Emphasizes the act of introducing something new, albeit in a small way.

apply gentle alterations

Highlights the careful and delicate nature of the changes being made.

effectuate gradual refinements

Implies a process of gradual improvement and precision in the changes.

institute small revisions

Suggests a more formal or official implementation of the changes.

refine gradually

Emphasizes the incremental and ongoing nature of the changes.

fine-tune gently

Highlights the precision and care involved in making the changes.

tweak slightly

A more informal way of saying to make small adjustments.

modulate delicately

Implies a careful adjustment to achieve a desired effect, often used in technical or artistic contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make subtle changes" in a more formal context?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "implement minor adjustments" or "introduce slight modifications" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "make subtle change" instead of "make subtle changes"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase "make subtle changes" requires the plural form of "changes" because you are referring to multiple small adjustments, not just one.

What's the difference between "make subtle changes" and "make drastic changes"?

"Make subtle changes" implies small, barely noticeable alterations, while "make drastic changes" suggests significant, transformative modifications. The key difference lies in the magnitude of the changes being implemented.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make subtle changes"?

Use "make subtle changes" when you want to convey that you are making small, incremental adjustments to something without fundamentally altering it. It's suitable when the goal is refinement rather than a complete overhaul.