slight changes

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight changes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to small adjustments or modifications, such as when you might say, "We made slight changes to the recipe to make it healthier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are some slight changes.

The New York Times - Sports

Significant savings are possible with even slight changes in rates.

The New York Times

Incorporating cellphone results also calls for slight changes in methodology.

The Washington Post

As a consequence only slight changes in μ were observed.

Geoderma

In the Grade 8 Proficiency Assessment, there were only slight changes in scores.

The New York Times

Persisting, you may sense slight changes in the day's light — tiny, barely registered visual thunderclaps.

The New Yorker

There will be slight changes to our confidence in certain observations.

The Guardian

Slight changes, in color or events, later in the process can increase costs exponentially.

The New York Times

By seemingly slight changes, the whole character of the substance is transformed.

The New Yorker

Therefore, slight changes could be necessary in order to use this program on "standard" equipment.

Columbia University

The bail clause was lifted with slight changes from the English Bill of Rights Act.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight changes" when you want to downplay the magnitude of modifications, or to indicate that the underlying structure or essence remains largely the same.

Common error

Avoid using "slight changes" when the modifications are actually significant. Overusing the phrase can mislead your audience about the true extent of the revisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight changes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes modifications that are small in scale or impact, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight changes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe minor modifications or adjustments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using "slight changes", ensure the modifications you are describing are indeed small, to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives such as "minor adjustments" or "small modifications" can provide similar meaning with subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustments

This alternative emphasizes the small degree of modification, similar to the original phrase.

small modifications

Focuses on the size of the change being implemented.

subtle alterations

Highlights the delicate or understated nature of the changes.

marginal differences

Indicates the changes are barely noticeable or significant.

modest revisions

Implies a limited scope of changes or corrections.

minor variations

Suggests the changes result in different forms or types.

small amendments

Suggests the changes are corrections or improvements, but not big adjustments.

tiny adjustments

Emphasizes the minimal scale of the alterations made.

limited changes

This phrase highlights the restricted or contained nature of the changes.

incremental modifications

Implies changes are gradual or phased over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight changes" to describe minor modifications or adjustments made to something. For example, "We made "slight changes" to the design based on user feedback."

What are some alternatives to "slight changes"?

Alternatives include "minor adjustments", "small modifications", or "subtle alterations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "slight changes" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe minor modifications without exaggerating their impact.

What's the difference between "slight changes" and "major changes"?

"Slight changes" refers to small, often barely noticeable alterations, while "major changes" indicates significant and substantial modifications that result in a noticeable difference. Using the correct phrase ensures clarity and accuracy.