small adaptation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small adaptation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor change or adjustment made to something, such as a plan, design, or process. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we decided to make a small adaptation to the project timeline to better accommodate the team's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They already exist and need only small adaptation to be used as refuges.

Futures

My additive model is just a small adaptation of a special case of Holmstrom and Milgrom (1987) that has been applied to executive salaries by Rosen (1982), Garen (1994), and others.6.6

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

It's only a small adaptation of the existing system".

BMC Family Practice

For small adaptation times we find an approximate linear relationship in line with experiments [ 50].

BMC Systems Biology

For each parameter and small adaptation times, we find an approximate linear relationship in line with Park et al. [ 50], see Inset.

BMC Systems Biology

With this small adaptation we were able to describe the dynamics in all biomarkers for the entire range of YSM with good precision.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

LG Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, to Saturday 21 Jan 1 Romeo And Juliet Clever video projections and inventive costumes give colour and zest to this taut, small-scale adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy from Ballet Cymru (pictured).

The Guardian

Small adaptations in the home and good community support can prevent the need for expensive hospital care.

The Guardian

Rosemary Dooley, 68, a CTC member from Kendal, Cumbria, who recently took her assembled bike on Eurostar, said: "I have to take my own bike everywhere due to arthritis in my hands, hence small adaptations.

The Guardian - Business

But Rosemary Dooley, 68, from Kendal, Cumbria, who recently went to Portugal for a cycle holiday, said: "I have to take my own bike everywhere due to arthritis in my hands – hence small adaptations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am sure that if the keepers of the gate could agree, Alfred A. Knopf, the publisher of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," could probably find a decent cookbook writer who would make small adaptations to allow for more healthful cooking and equally good products.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing adjustments to a well-established system or process, use "small adaptation" to convey that the changes are incremental and don't fundamentally alter the original structure.

Common error

Avoid using "small adaptation" when the changes are actually significant or transformative. This can mislead your audience about the true extent of the modification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small adaptation" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "adaptation". This indicates a change or adjustment of limited scope. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small adaptation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe a minor change or adjustment. Ludwig examples show it's frequently found in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not extremely common, it is effective for conveying that a modification is limited in scope. When using this phrase, ensure the adaptation is genuinely minor to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "minor modification" or "slight adjustment" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor modification

Replaces "adaptation" with "modification", implying a slight change.

slight adjustment

Uses "adjustment" instead of "adaptation", suggesting a subtle alteration.

minimal change

Focuses on the limited extent of the change.

modest alteration

Emphasizes the moderate nature of the change.

slight revision

Suggests a light review and amendment.

limited adjustment

Highlights the constraints on the adaptation.

fine-tuning

Implies a precise and delicate adjustment.

small-scale adjustment

Highlights that the adaptation is limited in scope or extent.

slight tweak

Informal term for a small adjustment.

cosmetic change

Suggests a superficial adjustment that does not alter the essence.

FAQs

How can I use "small adaptation" in a sentence?

You can use "small adaptation" to describe a minor change or adjustment made to something. For example, "The software only required a "small adaptation" to be compatible with the new operating system."

What are some alternatives to "small adaptation"?

Some alternatives to "small adaptation" include "minor modification", "slight adjustment", or "minimal change". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small adaptation" or "minor adaptation"?

"Small adaptation" and "minor adaptation" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the overall tone of your writing. Consider whether "small" or "minor" better fits the context.

In what situations is "small adaptation" most appropriate?

"Small adaptation" is particularly useful when discussing iterative improvements, subtle refinements, or localized changes within a larger system. It signals that the overall structure or purpose remains largely unchanged.