modest improvement to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest improvement to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small or moderate enhancement or change made to something. Example: "The team reported a modest improvement to the project's overall efficiency after implementing the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

While still above peers, we only expect modest improvement to 20% by 2016.

The Guardian - Business

Interestingly, salubrinal addition yielded modest improvement to MSCGM and HBSS stored hMSC survival (16% and 8% increases) while its addition to ViaSpan resulted in decreased viability and impaired ability to repopulate.

Cryobiology

The experimental data indicates that most stitched composites have slightly lower tension, compression, and flexural properties than their equivalent unstitched laminate; although some stitched materials exhibit no change or a modest improvement to their mechanical properties.

3D Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

While the addition of Ex-4 provides modest improvement to the effectiveness of immunological-based monotherapies in reversing hyperglycemia in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse, the mechanism of action underlying this effect remains controversial and formed the basis for this investigation.

Journal of Diabetes and its Complications

The exact benefit varies from a modest improvement to achieving a clustering almost identical to using the library derived from the reference.

BMC Genomics

Increasing from 7-day service blocks, which exceeds the PICU LOS (5 days), to 14-day service blocks resulted in only a modest improvement to the HCS.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Previous school-based physical activity interventions have demonstrated modest improvements to cardiovascular disease risk factors by implementing extra-curricular activities or improving current physical education curriculum.

BMC Public Health

Several years of successful harvests allowed him to make modest improvements to his simple home, and send his eldest child to university.

The Guardian

While he has made modest improvements to his public speaking style, which can be muted and meandering, Mr. Corzine excels in the art of one-on-one salesmanship.

The New York Times

If so, they are likely to be disappointed.During his most recent spell in office, between 2001 and 2006, Mr Berlusconi did achieve modest improvements to Italy's unsustainable pension system and to its inflexible labour market.

The Economist

Two groups with a longstanding interest in chemical safety, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group, said the bill gave away too much to the chemical industry in exchange for modest improvements to the status quo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being improved upon and why it matters. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand the significance of the improvement, even if it is only modest.

Common error

Avoid overselling the "modest improvement to". Overstating its significance can undermine your credibility. Present the improvement accurately and let the reader determine its value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest improvement to" functions as a modifier followed by a prepositional phrase. It typically qualifies a noun, indicating a small or limited degree of positive change or advancement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest improvement to" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression used to describe a small or limited positive change. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its use in reporting on advancements and developments. While the phrase itself is straightforward, its impact relies on clear communication and contextual understanding. When using "modest improvement to", quantify the improvement whenever possible, and avoid exaggerating its significance. Alternative phrases like "slight enhancement to" or "minor upgrade to" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight enhancement to

Changes the noun from "improvement" to "enhancement" and uses the adjective "slight" instead of "modest", keeping the meaning of a small positive change.

minor upgrade to

Replaces "improvement" with "upgrade", suggesting a technical advancement, and uses "minor" to indicate the scale of the change.

marginal gain in

Uses "gain" instead of "improvement", focusing on the positive outcome, and "marginal" to emphasize the small size of the gain. The preposition also changes from "to" to "in".

small advance in

Substitutes "improvement" with "advance", indicating forward progress, and uses "small" to denote the limited extent of the progress. The preposition also changes from "to" to "in".

limited progress in

Replaces "improvement" with "progress" and "modest" with "limited". The preposition also changes from "to" to "in".

slight betterment of

Uses "betterment" to replace "improvement", suggesting an improvement in quality. Changes the preposition to "of".

incremental increase in

Focuses on the gradual nature of the improvement by using "incremental increase". Changes the preposition to "in".

small refinement of

Replaces "improvement" with "refinement", suggesting a subtle improvement through careful adjustment. Changes the preposition to "of".

a touch of enhancement to

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate a very small improvement.

some amelioration of

Replaces "improvement" with "amelioration", indicating a reduction in something negative. Changes the preposition to "of".

FAQs

How can I use "modest improvement to" in a sentence?

You can use "modest improvement to" to describe a slight positive change or enhancement. For example, "The new software resulted in a "modest improvement to" the team's productivity".

What are some alternatives to "modest improvement to"?

Alternatives include "slight enhancement to", "minor upgrade to", or "marginal gain in", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slight improvement to" or "modest improvement to"?

Both "slight improvement to" and "modest improvement to" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Slight" may emphasize a smaller degree of change than "modest".

What's the difference between "improvement to" and "improvement in"?

"Improvement to" generally refers to making something better, while "improvement in" indicates progress or advancement within a specific area. For example, "improvement to the system" versus "improvement in performance".