modest alterations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest alterations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to small or minor changes made to something, such as a document, design, or plan. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I believe we can proceed with modest alterations to improve clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Through the 1930s, he did a series of modest alterations, like many major architects.

The New York Times

Although there have been controversies over particular changes in diagnostic descriptions, he said, the new revision involves "mostly modest alterations" from its predecessor.

The New York Times

After a panic at the turn of the millennium about the impact on their industry of online shopping, bricks-and-mortar stores settled into making only modest alterations to their business model or, ostrich-like, trying to ignore it.

The Economist

Operations on the basis of the solution space permit modest alterations of the transients toward the target steady state.

Mathematical Biosciences

Similarly, comparison of the RB-proficient, naïve and recurred cells (GFP Recurred vs. GFP Naïve) indicated relatively modest alterations in gene expression.

Plosone

Modest alterations in plaque morphology on Vero cell culture were noted with some increases in plaque heterogenity resulting from the appearance of some smaller plaques in all lineages.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

We find that a modest alteration of an initially 'scale-free' network can usefully improve robustness against attack, particularly when the fraction of attacked nodes is small, and we identify modification schemes that are most effective for this purpose.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

By this view, the protein world ought to consist of one structural archetype put to many different uses, each involving modest alteration of peripheral structure but no major reorganization of the fold.

Plosone

The single-dose level of PPARpan induced a modest alteration in gene expression.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This demonstrates that even modest alteration to the molecule indeed can increase antibiotic efficacy.

ACS Synthetic Biology

Thus, a modest alteration of RYGB criteria to include this population would have far-reaching implications for diabetes care.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, use "modest alterations" to convey that the modifications are minor and don't fundamentally alter the original structure or intent.

Common error

Avoid using "modest alterations" when the changes significantly impact the core functionality or appearance. Use stronger terms like "major overhaul" or "complete redesign" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest alterations" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing changes that are not extensive or significant. According to Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase in English. The examples show it modifying various nouns, such as 'business model', 'gene expression', and 'plaque morphology'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest alterations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing minor changes. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in the English language. The phrase appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, signifying its appropriateness for both technical and general audiences. When writing, remember that "modest alterations" indicates small-scale modifications that don't fundamentally change the original subject. Alternatives include "minor adjustments" or "slight modifications", each carrying subtly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustments

Focuses on the act of adjusting something slightly, emphasizing the fineness of the change.

slight modifications

Highlights the small degree to which something has been modified.

subtle changes

Emphasizes that the changes are not immediately obvious or easily noticeable.

limited revisions

Indicates that the revisions made were restricted in number or extent.

small amendments

Refers to minor improvements or corrections made to a document or plan.

marginal differences

Highlights that the differences observed are very small and may not be significant.

incremental adjustments

Focuses on adjustments made in small steps or increments.

minor variations

Indicates slight differences or deviations from a standard or norm.

measured changes

Implies that the changes were carefully considered and controlled in their extent.

limited adaptations

Suggests that adaptations made were not extensive or far-reaching.

FAQs

How can I use "modest alterations" in a sentence?

You can use "modest alterations" to describe slight changes made to something. For example: "The design team made "modest alterations" to the user interface based on initial feedback.".

What are some alternatives to "modest alterations"?

Alternatives to "modest alterations" include "minor adjustments", "slight modifications", or "subtle changes", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "modest alterations" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest alterations" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise descriptions are necessary. It accurately conveys that the changes are small and incremental.

What's the difference between "modest alterations" and "significant changes"?

"Modest alterations" refers to small, relatively unimportant changes. In contrast, "significant changes" indicates that the modifications are substantial and have a notable impact.