modified slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modified slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a change has been made to something, but the change is not significant. Example: "The original design was modified slightly to improve its functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These laws are used still in fluid dynamics, though they are modified slightly from Helmholtz's original version (they are cited above in the contemporary, modified form).

SEP

In all of these processes genes are modified slightly and act differently from that point on.

The Guardian - Books

"We've changed the layout of the room, modified slightly from last time.

The Guardian

The set has also been modified slightly to accommodate the Berlind, which is a bit larger than the Court.

The New York Times

The seal has been modified slightly over the years, the New York Post reported.

Independent

After an earlier action against a botnet known as Waledac, for example, the software behind it was modified slightly to create a new botnet.

The New York Times - Tech

If the former, then the no-smoking signs in hospital wards may have to be modified slightly to make it clear that they only apply to tobacco.

The Economist

(At Bal Harbour it used to be a straight radius of 20 miles but it has been modified slightly in recent years).

The New York Times

While the Facebook application has been modified slightly, in the opinion of the vzbv not be sufficient.

TechCrunch

The resulting flow field subsequently has been modified slightly to allow a high volume production process.

Journal of Power Sources

They have to be modified slightly such that they really vanish for negative values of t.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modified slightly" to indicate minor changes, ensuring the context reflects that the core functionality or appearance remains largely unchanged. This avoids exaggerating the extent of the alteration.

Common error

Avoid using "modified slightly" when the changes are substantial or significantly impact the outcome. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modified slightly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action was performed. According to Ludwig AI, the examples provided show it qualifies how something was changed, implying a small degree of alteration. It often adds detail without altering the core meaning of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modified slightly" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that a change has been made, but that the change is small or subtle. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is found most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context reflects the minor nature of the change. Consider alternatives such as "altered a bit" or "adjusted marginally" to fine-tune the message. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile way to express that something has been adjusted without significantly altering its fundamental nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altered a bit

Indicates a small change, similar to "modified slightly", but uses more informal language.

adjusted marginally

Replaces "modified" with "adjusted" and "slightly" with "marginally", both indicating a minor degree of change.

changed incrementally

Implies a gradual change in small steps, similar to a slight modification.

tweaked subtly

"Tweaked" suggests a fine adjustment, while "subtly" emphasizes the small degree of change.

refined imperceptibly

Conveys a modification so small it's almost unnoticeable.

corrected marginally

Focuses on correcting something with a minimal adjustment.

improved incrementally

Focuses on the improvement aspect and a small change.

adapted gradually

Highlights the adaptation process with a gentle pace of change.

revised minimally

Implies a light revision with only small changes made.

moderately adjusted

Reverses the structure, placing the adverb before the verb, while maintaining the core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "modified slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "modified slightly" to indicate that something has been changed, but not by much. For example: "The recipe was "modified slightly" to reduce the sugar content."

What are some alternatives to saying "modified slightly"?

Alternatives include "altered a bit", "adjusted marginally", or "tweaked subtly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "modified slightly" in formal writing?

Yes, "modified slightly" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts. It clearly and concisely indicates a minor change. However, more precise language might be necessary depending on the audience.

What is the difference between "modified slightly" and "significantly modified"?

"Modified slightly" indicates a small, often subtle change, while "significantly modified" implies a substantial alteration that has a noticeable impact. The former suggests minimal impact; the latter, considerable change.