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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
minimal improvements
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
32 human-written examples
WAZ improved for the first 6 months and then stabilized with only minimal improvements thereafter, whereas HAZ consistently improved over time.
Science
The first year's academic results of Grier's Apollo 20 were modest (improving math, mostly due to hiring of additional tutors, but minimal improvements in reading), but he spun them as a success.
News & Media
The Sanford Guide had minimal improvements to make (initially offering expert recommendations for 96% of patients) while others improved significantly (JHABx improved from approximately 50% to over 96%).
But rather than that, the world's governments have agreed only minimal improvements on the Hyogo Framework.
News & Media
However, operations continued with minimal improvements in security and personnel protections.
News & Media
Those measures, like increased transparency – ensuring access for the media and UN investigators, for instance – might bring minimal improvements but cannot address the fundamental shortcomings.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
27 human-written examples
The utilization of MI skills of primary care nurses showed minimal improvement after MI training embedded in a comprehensive program to improve routine diabetes care.
Science
Governance across Africa has seen minimal improvement over the past decade, held back by widespread deterioration in safety and rule of law, according to a report published on Monday.
News & Media
He said that people who regularly watched DVD's on good standard televisions often found that high-definition television offered minimal improvement.
News & Media
After months of minimal improvement in bed, Cleary went against his doctors' advice and stopped taking prescription medicine.
News & Media
Though unemployment in the city remains high — and the office market is showing only minimal improvement — retail leasing began picking up late last year and has been accelerating this year.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing "minimal improvements", be specific about what aspects are showing limited progress and provide context. This adds clarity and prevents misunderstandings about the overall situation.
Common error
Avoid exaggerating the significance of "minimal improvements". Accurately represent their limited effect to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "minimal improvements" functions as a noun phrase, where 'minimal' is an adjective modifying the noun 'improvements'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the extent of progress made. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.
Frequent in
Science
48%
News & Media
40%
Wiki
4%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "minimal improvements" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe limited progress. Ludwig's analysis confirms its common usage across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While the phrase is straightforward, remember to be specific about the affected areas and avoid overstating the impact of these "minimal improvements". Consider using alternatives like "slight advances" or "marginal gains" to fine-tune the message. While generally neutral, the choice of register depends on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
slight advances
Emphasizes the small degree of progress made.
marginal gains
Highlights the small and potentially insignificant benefits achieved.
negligible enhancements
Indicates that the changes are so small they are barely worth considering.
modest advancements
Suggests a limited degree of progress or development.
small refinements
Focuses on minor adjustments rather than substantial changes.
limited progress
Indicates the slow or restricted nature of the improvements.
minor upgrades
Emphasizes the small scale and scope of the changes.
incremental enhancements
Stresses the gradual and small-scale nature of the improvements.
subtle modifications
Highlights the delicate and not immediately obvious character of the changes.
token gestures
Implies the improvements are largely symbolic or superficial.
FAQs
How can I use "minimal improvements" in a sentence?
You can use "minimal improvements" to describe situations where progress is slow or limited, such as: "Despite significant investment, the project showed only "minimal improvements"." or "The new policy resulted in "minimal improvements" in employee satisfaction."
What are some alternatives to "minimal improvements"?
Alternatives to "minimal improvements" include "slight advances", "marginal gains", or "negligible enhancements". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.
Is it better to say "slight improvements" or "minimal improvements"?
Both "slight improvements" and "minimal improvements" are acceptable. "Slight improvements" might suggest a slightly more positive connotation than "minimal improvements", which can imply the changes are barely noticeable. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.
What's the difference between "minimal improvements" and "significant improvements"?
"Minimal improvements" suggests small, often barely noticeable changes, while "significant improvements" indicates substantial and impactful progress. One describes limited progress; the other, considerable advancement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested