slight change

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight change" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to refer to a small change or adjustment, for example: "We made a slight change to our budget plan for the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And any slight change they will recognize".

The New York Times - Health

A slight change in the program.

The New York Times - Sports

this is a slight change from previous years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A slight change this month in the Reading group.

The Guardian - Books

And blackcaps may never evolve differences beyond a slight change in wing and beak shape.

University of California, Berkeley

During the mid 1980's there was a slight change to the numbering system.

Cornell University

Not sure what it is – a slight change in demeanour, something about his general bearing.

The Guardian - Sport

A slight change of direction is not an admission of failure.

The Guardian

This decision is a slight change from the one they made at the end of September.

The New York Times

He told Sky Sports News: "I feel it is coming to a slight change in era.

The Guardian

"A slight change in height makes a big difference," Batt said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight change", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being changed and the degree to which it is altered. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the extent of the modification.

Common error

Avoid using "slight change" when the alteration is actually substantial. This can mislead the audience and undermine the credibility of your writing. Use stronger terms like "significant shift" or "major overhaul" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight change" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'slight' modifies the noun 'change'. It indicates a modification that is small in degree. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight change" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a minor adjustment or modification. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently across various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. While it's suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's essential to ensure that the term accurately reflects the scale of the change, avoiding exaggeration. When greater impact or more substantial alteration is meant, alternatives such as "significant shift" or "major overhaul" could be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting something, implying a small correction or refinement.

small modification

Emphasizes the alteration made to something, highlighting its limited scale.

subtle variation

Highlights the delicate nature of the change, suggesting it may not be immediately noticeable.

modest alteration

Indicates the change is restrained or limited in scope.

marginal difference

Underscores the insignificance of the change, implying it has little impact.

gentle shift

Suggests a gradual and smooth change, rather than an abrupt one.

tiny revision

Focuses on the act of revising and reducing the magnitude of change.

minimal adjustment

Emphasizes the very small amount of adjustment made.

negligible difference

Highlights the almost imperceptible nature of the difference.

inconsequential modification

Stresses that the modification is not important or significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight change" to describe a minor modification or adjustment, such as, "There was a slight change in the schedule" or "We made a slight change to the design".

What are some alternatives to "slight change"?

Alternatives to "slight change" include "minor adjustment", "small modification", or "subtle variation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight change" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight change" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. A phrase like "minor adjustment" might be preferred in some academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "slight change" and "significant change"?

"Slight change" indicates a small, often barely noticeable, alteration. "Significant change", on the other hand, implies a substantial and impactful modification.