modify it slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modify it slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting a small change or adjustment to something, such as a document, design, or plan. Example: "The report is good, but I think we should modify it slightly to improve clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is the strange impulse of our "exceptionalism", to always borrow something and modify it slightly, then declare the end result definitively, uniquely American.

The Guardian - Opinion

We had to modify it slightly because one of the first things I started worrying about is whether people would actually take less vacation.

The New York Times

The artist may either record this effect exactly, producing a startling illusion of reality that seems to violate the picture plane (surface of the picture), or modify it, slightly reducing the relative size of the nearer part of the object, so as to make a less-aggressive assault on the viewer's eye and to relate the foreshortened object more harmoniously to the rest of the picture.

Britannica

Indeed, there is a risk that someone could read the code, modify it slightly, and fork the distribution.

TechCrunch

Perhaps some content deal is behind the search tool, but it would be infinitely more useful if users could modify it slightly.

TechCrunch

Here, we modify it slightly to relate transmitted light intensity to blood pressure, as I t) = I_{0}(t) e^{-lambda P t)}, (1).

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He did not return my first, plain-vanilla phone message, but he did call back after I modified it slightly on a second try.

The New York Times

The scoreboard team one of Robb's implementation task forces took the statement, modified it slightly for ease of understanding, and added columns for a two-month forecast.

Harvard Business Review

Judge Feldman declared the drilling ban illegal in June, but Mr. Salazar modified it slightly, and it remained in place until the department lifted it in October.

The New York Times

Starting with a design for another method of fastening and modifying it slightly for adhesive bonding is risky, often leading to undesirable results.

Adhesives Technology Handbook

Doherty (2000) reexamines this hypothesis and modifies it slightly to place less of an emphasis on semantic constraints but still supports the main points, and Haegeman et al. (2015) as well as Haegeman (2015) support this analysis over several others.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modify it slightly" when you want to suggest a minor change that doesn't alter the core essence of the original item. It's suitable for suggesting improvements without implying major overhauls.

Common error

Avoid using "modify it slightly" when the changes are substantial or fundamentally alter the subject. Choose stronger verbs like "revamp", "overhaul", or "transform" if the modifications are significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify it slightly" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed on something. It suggests making a small or minor change. Ludwig examples show its usage in varied contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modify it slightly" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to suggest making small adjustments or alterations. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, from news and science to academic writing. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, its clear meaning and neutral register make it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios. Remember, while you may want to "modify it slightly", it is important not to overstate the impact of such small changes. Alternatives like "adjust it marginally" or "tweak it a bit" can provide nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Adjust it marginally

Emphasizes a minor adjustment or change.

Alter it subtly

Highlights the delicate or understated nature of the modification.

Change it incrementally

Suggests making changes step by step.

Tweak it just a bit

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a small adjustment.

Refine it gently

Implies a careful and delicate improvement.

Adapt it marginally

Focuses on adapting something to a new purpose or condition with a small change.

Revise it minimally

Indicates a slight revision or correction.

Correct it imperceptibly

Suggests a nearly unnoticeable correction or change.

Improve it fractionally

Focuses on making a very small improvement.

Amend it negligibly

Emphasizes that the amendment is so small it's almost not worth mentioning.

FAQs

How can I use "modify it slightly" in a sentence?

You can use "modify it slightly" when you want to suggest a small adjustment or alteration to something, implying that the change is not drastic. For example, "The design is good, but we should "modify it slightly" to make it more user-friendly".

What's the difference between "modify it slightly" and "completely change it"?

"Modify it slightly" means making small adjustments, while "completely change it" implies a total transformation. Use ""modify it slightly"" when the core remains the same, and the other when starting from scratch.

What can I say instead of "modify it slightly"?

You can use alternatives like "adjust it marginally", "tweak it a bit", or "alter it subtly" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "modify it slightly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig confirms that ""modify it slightly"" is a standard and acceptable phrase in English.