modest change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor adjustment or alteration in a situation, plan, or object. Example: "The committee decided to implement a modest change to the project timeline to accommodate additional feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The results showed a modest change in the overall water balance of the system.

Journal of Hydrology

A modest change in the internal roof construction was trialed in order to improve thermal comfort.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Controlling undesirable Phase A trend caused only a modest change from nonoverlap.

Behavior Therapy

But the administration says it is seeking only a modest change to the treaty.

The New York Times

Yet even a modest change in Arctic dynamics could have wrenching effects elsewhere.

The New York Times - Science

It's a modest change — filibusters would still exist — but a useful one.

The New Yorker

Being innocent of that experience, I suggested a modest change to address his concern.

The New Yorker

It may seem like a modest change, but the chance of winning decreased.

The Washington Post

Whatever modest change Mr Cameron might secure would not impress Eurosceptic Tories.

The Economist

Thermo-responsive polymers show a sharp change in properties upon a small or modest change in temperature.

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Non-complementary (random) oligomer sequence demonstrated a modest change in resonant frequency and a non-detectable change in impedance.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an action or policy, use "modest change" to indicate that the effect is noticeable but not drastic. This conveys a sense of realism and avoids overstating the results.

Common error

Avoid using "modest change" when a significant or transformative effect has occurred. Using it in such contexts will undermine your credibility and suggest a lack of understanding of the true magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest change" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "change". It describes the nature or extent of a change. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest change" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a small or minor alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal communications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the described change aligns with its intended meaning of being limited in scope, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "slight alteration" or "minor adjustment" can provide nuanced variations, while being mindful of potential errors like exaggerating the actual impact. Overall, "modest change" offers a useful way to characterize alterations realistically and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slight alteration

Replaces "modest" with "slight", emphasizing the small degree of change.

Minor adjustment

Uses "minor" instead of "modest" and "adjustment" instead of "change", focusing on the act of adjusting something slightly.

Marginal difference

Emphasizes that the difference resulting from the change is small or barely noticeable.

Limited variation

Highlights the constrained scope of the change or variation.

Small modification

Similar to minor adjustment but uses "modification" indicating a slight alteration in form or qualities.

Incremental shift

Focuses on the gradual nature of the change, suggesting it happens in small steps.

Subtle transition

Implies the change is so slight it may be difficult to perceive.

Trivial amendment

Suggests the change is so small it is of little importance.

Nominal alteration

Uses "nominal" to indicate that the change exists in name only or is very small.

Insignificant adjustment

Highlights the lack of importance or impact of the adjustment.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest change" to describe a small or minor adjustment or alteration. For example: "The company implemented a "modest change" to its policy regarding remote work."

What are some alternatives to "modest change"?

Some alternatives to "modest change" include "slight alteration", "minor adjustment", or "limited variation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest change" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "modest change" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to describe a small alteration without exaggeration. It is appropriate in news, science, and business.

What's the difference between "modest change" and "significant change"?

"Modest change" indicates a small or minor alteration, while "significant change" refers to a substantial or major alteration. Use "modest change" when the impact is limited and "significant change" when the impact is considerable.