modest variations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest variations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe small or slight differences in something, often in a context where changes are being discussed or analyzed. Example: "The study revealed modest variations in the results across different demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

And even if modest variations on the original plan are found to be necessary, they should be transparently negotiated by all the stakeholders.

The New York Times

Tablet computers generated plenty of excitement at the gathering, which ends Thursday, although hardware makers promoted modest variations on the concept rather than major breakthroughs that would distinguish their products from Apple's iPad.

The New York Times - Tech

The NPD Group, a market research company based in Port Washington, N.Y., reported that sales of two-piece swimsuits nationwide -- including classic bikinis and more modest variations -- jumped 80percentt in two years, to $566.1 million last year from $313.8 million in 1998.

The New York Times

It generated smoother interpolation map and had modest variations in the difference map.

Environmental Systems Research

The Miller and Grice inequalities, however, are both conservative tests that are insensitive to modest variations in capacity.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Modest variations in loading conditions using the same specimen can yield considerable variation in the evaluated properties.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Texas governor also promises an administration with "people who represent all America" -- his modest variation on the Clinton promise of one that "looks like America".

The New York Times

While this restraint makes "The Way, Way Back" pleasantly watchable, it also makes it feel small and anecdotal, a modest variation on something you've seen before.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney and his wife, Ann, paid a direct federal tax rate of about 14 percent over the past two years (with only modest variation between the 2010 and 2011 rates) on average annual income of $21 million, according to the returns released Tuesday.

The New York Times

The overall effect is a modest variation of soot volume fraction if radiation is included.

Combustion and Flame

Even though the pressure was attempted to remain constant, there was a modest variation during 24 h.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest variations" to describe minor differences when precision isn't critical. It's suitable for general descriptions and avoids overly technical language.

Common error

Avoid using "modest variations" when the differences are actually substantial or impactful. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the scale of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest variations" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'modest' modifies the noun 'variations'. It describes the extent or degree of differences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest variations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe small differences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for various contexts, especially in scientific and news-related content. It conveys that differences are present but are not substantial or critical. When writing, ensure that the variations truly are modest and that the phrase aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "slight differences" or "minor changes" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight differences

Emphasizes the small degree of difference.

minor changes

Highlights the limited impact or scale of the alterations.

small alterations

Focuses on the act of changing something slightly.

limited deviations

Suggests a constrained departure from a standard or norm.

subtle modifications

Indicates changes that are not immediately obvious or significant.

marginal adjustments

Implies changes made at the edge or margin, indicating a small extent.

insignificant fluctuations

Highlights the lack of importance or impact of the changes.

negligible differences

Suggests that the differences are so small they can be disregarded.

small-scale modifications

Focuses on the limited scale or scope of the changes.

superficial alterations

Indicates changes that only affect the surface or appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest variations" to describe slight differences or changes. For example, "The experiment showed "modest variations" in temperature across the different samples."

What are some alternatives to "modest variations"?

Alternatives include "slight differences", "minor changes", or "small alterations" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "modest variations"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the differences or changes are small and not particularly significant. It avoids exaggerating the impact of the variations.

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

"Modest variations" implies small, relatively unimportant differences, while "significant changes" indicates substantial and impactful alterations. The choice depends on the magnitude and importance of the differences being described.