slight alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor change or modification made to something. Example: "After reviewing the document, I made a slight alteration to the wording for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pathological inspection indicated slight alteration in lung and spleen.

Nature

Are there instances when a slight alteration of color or light might be considered a falsification?

The New York Times

But the slight alteration she had asked for a few days earlier had somehow gone awry.

The New York Times

But, at least around the holiday season, it may deserve a slight alteration to "tall, dark and merry".

The New York Times - Travel

Amie Batson Keep it simple: A slight alteration to a product can make as much difference as a new one.

The Guardian

A slight alteration in vertex angle and focus offset resulted in same optical efficiency but improved LFD.

Solar Energy

When the temperature was controlled at refrigerator or room temperature, a slight alteration in the concentrations of the phenolics studied was observed.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

For his hero, the escape is an intellectual puzzle that he has to solve; he has to find some slight alteration in the jailhouse routine that will allow him to charge in and snatch his unwilling wife.

The New Yorker

"Do you still think it's two cities, Freddy?" Mr. Green demanded, invoking, with a slight alteration, what had been Mr. Ferrer's central campaign theme until he won a spot in the runoff eight days ago.

The New York Times

Yes, it can be put down to a slight alteration in character, preceding the first tremors, somewhat short of, a little less disabling than, those other neurological conditions — grandiosity, delusions of grandeur.

The New Yorker

The changes, only a slight alteration in the formula governing financial aid, are expected to diminish the government's contribution to higher education by hundreds of millions of dollars, starting in the fall of 2004.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a minor change, use "slight alteration" to convey precision without exaggerating the impact of the modification. For example, use it when specifying modifications to a product or a plan.

Common error

Avoid using "slight alteration" when the change is actually substantial. Using it inappropriately can mislead your audience about the real impact of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight alteration" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a modification that is minor or not substantial. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight alteration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a minor modification. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it conveys that a change has occurred, but it is not substantial. When using this phrase, be sure the degree of change is indeed minor to prevent misleading your audience. Alternatives include "minor adjustment" and "small modification", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustment

Focuses on the act of fine-tuning or correcting something slightly.

small modification

Highlights a change that is limited in size or scope.

subtle variation

Emphasizes that the change is delicate and may not be immediately noticeable.

marginal difference

Indicates that the change is at the edge or boundary of being significant.

minimal change

Stresses that the change is the least possible or required.

modest revision

Implies a limited and restrained act of correcting or improving.

gentle shift

Suggests a smooth and gradual change in a particular direction.

minor tweak

Informal term for making a small adjustment to improve something.

fine-tuning

Focuses on making delicate adjustments to optimize performance.

light adjustment

Highlights that the change is not heavy or substantial

FAQs

How can I use "slight alteration" in a sentence?

You can use "slight alteration" to describe a minor change or modification. For instance, "The recipe requires only a "minor adjustment" to the amount of sugar."

What are some alternatives to "slight alteration"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "minor adjustment", "small modification", or "subtle variation".

When is it appropriate to use "slight alteration" instead of "major overhaul"?

"Slight alteration" is suitable when the change is minimal and does not fundamentally alter the core aspects, whereas "major overhaul" implies significant and extensive changes.

Is there a difference between "slight alteration" and "slight adjustment"?

While similar, "slight alteration" generally refers to a change in the form or nature of something, and "slight adjustment" usually implies fine-tuning for better performance or fit.