small improvements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small improvements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing incremental changes or enhancements in a process, product, or performance. Example: "The team focused on making small improvements to the software to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Small improvements, slow, steady steps.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure, there have been some small improvements.

The New York Times

In the past year, small improvements have been visible.

The Economist

There have been some small improvements made in car racing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This doesn't mean small improvements are futile - far from it.

The New York Times

He added, "We're going to make small improvements every day".

The New York Times

Quality of care and preventive health ratings revealed small improvements.

The New York Times

And some small improvements — an organic waste program, for one — are expected soon.

The New York Times

"But I just think small improvements shouldn't be presented as the achievement of sustainability".

The Guardian

Old boroughs in the city have gained modern museums, pavements and other small improvements.

The Guardian - Sport

Over 12 months, he said, they all showed at least small improvements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing progress, use "small improvements" to highlight incremental gains, especially in situations where larger breakthroughs are not immediately achievable. This acknowledges the value of consistent, albeit modest, advancements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "small improvements" by presenting them as major achievements. Ensure the language used accurately reflects the scale of the changes made to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small improvements" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "improvements". It describes the nature and scope of the improvements being discussed. Ludwig provides many examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small improvements" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to denote incremental progress. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from various sources confirm its widespread applicability across contexts like news, science, and business. While synonymous with terms like "minor enhancements" and "slight upgrades", it's crucial to avoid exaggerating the impact of these improvements. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase accurately describes consistent, modest advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor enhancements

Focuses on the act of enhancing, suggesting an intentional effort to improve.

slight upgrades

Emphasizes the act of upgrading, implying a move to a better version.

modest gains

Highlights the positive results achieved, often in a measurable way.

marginal gains

Stresses the minimal but significant advantages obtained through small changes.

incremental changes

Focuses on the gradual and step-by-step nature of the improvements.

subtle enhancements

Emphasizes that the improvements are not immediately obvious but still beneficial.

limited advancements

Highlights the restricted scope or scale of the progress made.

minor adjustments

Focuses on the act of adjusting, implying a fine-tuning process.

gradual refinements

Highlights the slow and careful process of improving something.

tiny steps forward

Uses a more figurative expression to emphasize the small scale of progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "small improvements" in a sentence?

Use "small improvements" to denote minor positive changes or advancements in a particular area. For example, "The company focused on making "small improvements" to its customer service process."

What are some alternatives to saying "small improvements"?

Alternatives include "minor enhancements", "slight upgrades", or "modest gains", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small improvements" in formal writing?

Yes, "small improvements" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider using more precise language depending on the field. Terms like "incremental changes" may be better depending on context.

What's the difference between "small improvements" and "significant advancements"?

"Small improvements" refer to minor enhancements or incremental progress, while "significant advancements" indicate substantial and notable progress or breakthroughs. The choice between the two depends on the scale and impact of the changes being described.