slightly alter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly alter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making a small change or modification to something. Example: "To improve the design, we decided to slightly alter the color scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This might slightly alter the style or technique of the illustration but shouldn't affect the punch of the still drawing.

The New Yorker

She also managed to slightly alter her message of "thirty-five years of experience" to "thirty-five years of change".

The New Yorker

And I haven't mentioned dorm or food subsidies and social welfare, which can slightly alter those figures.

The New York Times

If he doesn't slightly alter his style, he runs the risk – because of his size – of being like Michael Vick.

The New York Times

After lots of study, few linguists now believe that a given language can do more than slightly alter what we pay attention to in a situation, usually through its grammar.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In part that was down to her meticulous preparation," says Jones. "Although on the basis of every test we did she would then slightly alter her training in order to improve further".

The Guardian - Sport

TransCanada said it would reapply for a presidential permit for the cross-border part of the project and would slightly alter the pipeline's route to avoid the most environmentally sensitive areas in Nebraska.

The New York Times

Each year, Apple and other companies seem to put those rectangles in a vise, flatten them slightly, alter the exterior dimensions and showcase them as the next big, or little, thing.

The New York Times

(A more advanced study of his pitches reveals that he actually has two curves and two sinkers, and that he can slightly alter the grip on his two-seamer).

The New York Times - Sports

In the case of identical twins, small changes in environmental exposure can slightly alter gene switches, with the result that one twin gets a disease and the other does not.

The New York Times - Science

This process has played into the hands of manufacturers - who slightly alter the chemical composition and re-release it as a new substance, with little concern for the safety of consumers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly alter" when you want to indicate a small, often subtle, change that doesn't fundamentally transform the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly alter" when the change is actually significant or transformative; instead, opt for stronger verbs like "transform", "overhaul" or "revolutionize".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly alter" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of making a minor modification. Ludwig provides examples across various domains, confirming its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly alter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a minor modification. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent presence in diverse sources, from news and media to scientific publications. Its neutral to formal register makes it a versatile choice for many writing scenarios. When using "slightly alter", ensure the context reflects a subtle change, and not a complete transformation, to avoid misrepresentation. As evidenced by Ludwig, many alternatives exist, allowing writers to adjust their vocabulary based on the desired level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modestly adjust

Indicates a change that is not very noticeable or significant.

marginally modify

Emphasizes that the modification is at the edge or border of significance.

mildly adjust

Highlights the gentle and subtle nature of the adjustment.

make minor adjustments

Focuses on the act of making small corrections or changes.

tweak slightly

Implies a small refinement or fine-tuning.

adjust marginally

Similar to marginally modify, but emphasizes the act of adjusting.

modify subtly

Highlights the discreetness and finesse of the modification.

change a bit

A more informal way to express a small alteration.

revise slightly

Focuses on a light revision or review resulting in minor change.

refine subtly

Emphasizes the improvement or clarification through a delicate change.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly alter" to indicate a minor modification or adjustment. For example, "The chef decided to "slightly alter" the recipe to enhance the flavor".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slightly alter"?

Alternatives to "slightly alter" include "modestly adjust", "marginally modify", or "make minor adjustments", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly alter" or "slightly change"?

"Slightly alter" and "slightly change" are often interchangeable, but "alter" tends to be more formal. "Slightly change" might be preferred in more informal contexts, while "slightly alter" is suitable for formal writing.

What does "slightly alter" imply about the extent of the change?

"Slightly alter" indicates that the change is not drastic or fundamental. It suggests a subtle modification rather than a complete transformation. Using "slightly" emphasizes the limited scope of the alteration.