small refinements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small refinements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing minor adjustments or improvements to something, such as a project, design, or process. Example: "After reviewing the report, I believe we can make some small refinements to enhance its clarity and impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Instead, there is a collection of small refinements.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thereafter, my technique, while remaining substantially the same, developed small refinements.

The New Yorker

Standing behind his cinematographer, Ed Talavera, the director calmly suggested camera angle changes and other small refinements between takes.

The New York Times

Though thematically similar to the 350Z's interior — three auxiliary gauges aimed at the driver, instrument cluster that tilts with the steering wheel — there are small refinements everywhere.

The New York Times

Most of the tracks on "Ode" were recorded in November 2008, with three exceptions dating to last April; presumably some small refinements have been made in the meantime.

The New York Times - Arts

The present policy—hammering out a power-sharing agreement between elected groups may be challenging but is more realistic than a belated quest for dictatorship lite.On closer inspection, in fact, many of the competing ideas masquerading in Washington as big new ideas turn out to be small refinements of the existing policy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But one keyboard, the Zagg iPad Mini Folio, takes it a step further with one small refinement: a hinge that allows you to set the screen to any angle, just as you would with a laptop.

The New York Times - Tech

The small refinement in the model may very well lead to the model behavior diverging away from the system's behavior.

SEP

Even if a small refinement to the model is made "in the right direction," there is no guarantee that the nonlinear model will monotonically improve in capturing the target system's behavior.

SEP

The small refinement in data quality may very well lead to the model behavior diverging away from the system's behavior.[6] In the second approach, keeping the data fixed but making successive refinements in nonlinear models is also not guaranteed to lead to any convergence between model behavior and target system behavior.

SEP

Although Twitter has not enacted the revolutionary changes some technology analysts have called for, the company's adjusted profit margins have shown improvement through the spate of smaller refinements. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small refinements" when you want to emphasize that improvements are not drastic or revolutionary, but rather subtle and carefully implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "small refinements" to describe changes that are actually significant or transformative, as this can downplay the importance of the updates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small refinements" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing minor adjustments made to various systems or designs. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small refinements" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes minor adjustments or subtle improvements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for describing iterative improvements, particularly in technical, scientific, or design contexts. You'll find it most often in news and media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the changes you're describing are genuinely minor and not significant overhauls to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustments

Focuses on the act of adjusting rather than the quality of being refined.

slight improvements

Emphasizes the positive change resulting from the refinement.

subtle enhancements

Highlights the delicate and understated nature of the improvements.

incremental changes

Stresses the step-by-step progression of the refinements.

minor tweaks

Implies very small and precise adjustments.

delicate alterations

Suggests careful and precise modifications.

slight modifications

Similar to slight improvements but focuses on the act of modifying.

fine-tuning

Emphasizes the process of making very precise adjustments to optimize performance.

gradual adjustments

Highlights the slow and progressive nature of the changes.

detailed improvements

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the changes made.

FAQs

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

You can use "small refinements" to describe minor improvements made to a product, process, or plan. For example, "After testing, we implemented "small refinements" to the user interface".

What are some alternatives to saying "small refinements"?

Alternatives include "minor adjustments", "slight improvements", or "subtle enhancements". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "small refinements" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing technical or detailed improvements. The phrase is common in "news and media", "science", and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "small refinements" and "major overhauls"?

"Small refinements" refer to minor changes that improve something without fundamentally altering it. "Major overhauls", on the other hand, involve significant changes or complete replacements. The choice between them depends on the extent of the modifications.