small adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a minor change or modification that needs to be made to something. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized that a small adjustment to the data presentation would improve clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the white night world outside, their daughter might be drifting past like an angel and she would see this tableau, for the second that she hovered, as a necessary small adjustment.

The New Yorker

The actuarial view is that the system is probably in need of a small adjustment of the sort that Congress has approved in the past.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Ms. Yellen said on Wednesday that the Fed's move in December amounted to a small adjustment in rates, and that she did not agree with critics that it had an outsize impact.

The New York Times

Adjusting the probabilities pα′ k requires a small adjustment that approaches zero in the limit of large population size.

Genetics

For ES = 0 or 1, to avoid generating missing data, a small adjustment term (2n)−1 was applied to the logit-transformation [ 15].

BMC Infectious Diseases

A small adjustment was in order.

The New York Times

It's a small adjustment in the configuration".

The New York Times

A small adjustment to Peter Marks's article "Got Time?

The New York Times

Even a small adjustment to a care plan can make a big difference.

The Guardian

"Just one small adjustment to what Governor Huckabee had to say," Mr. Romney said.

The New York Times

Mr. Michaels noted one small adjustment made for Mr. Williams's sake.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small adjustment", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being adjusted and why. For instance, "A small adjustment to the budget allocation can significantly impact the project's timeline."

Common error

Avoid using "small adjustment" when a more substantial change is required. Overstating the insignificance of a change can mislead your audience. For example, if a system overhaul is needed, do not refer to it as a "small adjustment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small adjustment" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "adjustment". It commonly acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating a minor alteration or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small adjustment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a minor change or modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "minor modification" or "slight alteration" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. It is important to ensure that the change being described is, in fact, minor to avoid misinterpretations. Ludwig's analysis reveals its wide acceptance and applicability in diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small modification

Direct synonym using the word "modification" instead of "adjustment".

slight adjustment

Interchangeable with the original phrase, using "slight" as a synonym for "small".

minor alteration

Combination of "minor" and "alteration" to convey a small change.

minor modification

Emphasizes the act of modifying something slightly; "modification" sounds more formal than "adjustment".

slight alteration

Focuses on the act of altering something, implying a subtle change; "alteration" is more formal.

tiny correction

Uses "tiny" to emphasize the small size of the correction.

minimal correction

Highlights rectifying an error with a very small change; suggests something was wrong and is being fixed.

modest revision

Indicates a review and slight alteration; implies a more considered change than a simple adjustment.

fine-tuning

Suggests making very precise and small changes to optimize something; often used in technical contexts.

slight tweak

Suggests a very small and often quick adjustment; "tweak" is less formal than "adjustment".

FAQs

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

You can use "small adjustment" to describe a minor change or modification. For example, "A "small adjustment" to the thermostat can save energy" or "The recipe only needs a "small adjustment" to the amount of salt."

What are some alternatives to "small adjustment"?

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

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

"Small adjustment" and "minor adjustment" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey. "Minor" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between a "small adjustment" and a "major change"?

A ""small adjustment"" implies a relatively insignificant change, while a "major change" indicates a substantial alteration that has a significant impact. The key difference lies in the scale and consequences of the modification.