modify slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"modify slightly" is a perfectly valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used when referring to a person making a small change to something, usually to improve it. For example, "I decided to modify my recipe slightly to make it a bit healthier."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We modify slightly the example in [16] to allow for non-flat targets; see also [7] for a thorough description of the geometric picture.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

We modify slightly Voiculescu's definition of approximation entropy of automorphisms of finite von Neumann algebras and compare it with the entropy of Connes and Størmer.

Journal of Functional Analysis

We can imagine use of wide reflective equilibrium if we modify slightly Rawls image of an overlapping consensus in which a shared political conception is a point of convergence among otherwise different comprehensive world views.

SEP

We believe however that structural effects still preside over fracture and consequently propose to modify slightly Griffith theory without altering its fundamental components so that it becomes amenable to the widest range of situations.

Comptes Rendus Mécanique

(3.3)We will first treat the global estimates for boundary value problems, and subsequently the interior estimate, Theorem 1.2, as we will need to modify slightly the proof in [9] to accommodate the dependance of A on u.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

We can modify slightly the above proof to show that the approximate fixed point sequence ({ f_{n}}) and its associated sequence ({F_{n}}) satisfy (f_{n} leq f_{n+1} leq F_{n+1}) ρ-a.e.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

The problems begin with the subtitle, "This Book Will Save Your Life," a claim the author modifies slightly in the preface by changing "will" to "may".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modify slightly", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified and the reason for the modification. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "modify slightly" when the change is actually substantial. Overstating or understating the degree of modification can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify slightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or degree to which something is changed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where it qualifies verbs, describing the nature of the modification as small or minor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modify slightly" serves as an adverbial modifier, indicating a minor or subtle change, Ludwig confirms. It is grammatically correct and most frequently found in scientific and technical contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's essential to ensure the change is genuinely small to avoid misleading the reader. Alternatives like "adjust marginally" or "alter subtly" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust marginally

Implies making a small adjustment or correction.

alter subtly

Focuses on the slight and delicate nature of the change.

tweak gently

Suggests a minor and careful refinement.

revise incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the modification.

adapt gradually

Emphasizes the slow and progressive nature of the adaptation.

change minimally

Directly indicates the very small degree of change involved.

refine modestly

Indicates a moderate level of refinement.

correct slightly

Suggests a small correction to fix an error or improve accuracy.

vary insignificantly

Emphasizes the lack of significant difference after the change.

improve marginally

Focuses on a small degree of improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "modify slightly" to indicate a small change or adjustment. For example, "I decided to "modify slightly" the design to improve its usability."

What are some alternatives to "modify slightly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "adjust marginally", "alter subtly", or "tweak gently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "modify slightly" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise language is important.

What's the difference between "modify slightly" and "modify significantly"?

"Modify slightly" indicates a small change, while "modify significantly" implies a major or substantial alteration.