slightly altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly altered" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The recipe has been slightly altered to include more vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each pair of statements was classified as: unaltered, slightly altered, very altered and completely altered.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

NBC slightly altered its plans.

The New York Times

Subsequently, the terms were slightly altered.

The New York Times

It's not new, but perhaps the emphasis is slightly altered.

The Guardian - Books

Even the opening line of the book is slightly altered.

The Guardian - Books

The brief has slightly altered over the years.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Curiously, Mitchell has slightly altered her controversial original ending.

The Guardian

Smith slightly altered the ship's course to the south.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Smith slightly altered the ship's course to head farther south.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Viruses with slightly altered protein envelopes would then begin the infection process.

Harvard University

A friend of a friend would repeat a slightly altered version.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly altered" to indicate a minor adjustment or modification, ensuring the change doesn't fundamentally alter the subject. For example, "The recipe was slightly altered to reduce the sugar content."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly altered" when the changes are substantial or transformative. If the modifications significantly impact the original, consider using stronger terms like "significantly revised" or "completely revamped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly altered" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has undergone a minor change or adjustment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly altered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a minor modification or adjustment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and widely accepted expression. Its usage spans diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, and it serves to convey that a change has occurred without fundamentally altering the subject. To enhance writing, use "slightly altered" when precision is key, but avoid overstating the extent of the change. Alternatives like "somewhat modified" or "subtly modified" can add variety, though "slightly altered" remains a versatile and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtly modified

Suggests that the alteration is not immediately noticeable.

somewhat modified

Indicates a change that is not drastic, similar to "slightly altered".

mildly adjusted

Emphasizes that the alteration was not significant, much like "slightly altered".

partially adjusted

Suggests that only a portion of something has been changed, similar to a slight alteration.

hardly altered

A variation in wording that highlights just how minimal the alteration was.

barely changed

Highlights the minimal nature of the alteration.

minimally revised

Focuses on the fact that the alteration was a revision, but kept to a minimum.

a bit different

Indicates a small degree of change or variation.

tweaked a little

Emphasizes the action of the alteration rather than the impact.

notably adjusted

Highlights that, although small, the changes are obvious.

FAQs

What does "slightly altered" mean?

"Slightly altered" means that something has been changed in a small or subtle way, without significantly affecting its overall nature or function. It suggests a minor modification or adjustment.

What are some synonyms for "slightly altered"?

Synonyms for "slightly altered" include "somewhat modified", "partially adjusted", "mildly adjusted", or "subtly modified". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "slightly altered" to describe a change that is minor or subtle. For example, "The design was slightly altered to improve usability" or "The terms of the agreement were slightly altered after negotiations."

Is it better to say "slightly altered" or "slightly changed"?

Both "slightly altered" and "slightly changed" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Altered" may suggest a more deliberate or formal modification than "changed".