small revision

USAGE SUMMARY

'small revision' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to making minor changes to something that has already been written or in reference to making small adjustments to a process or plan. For example, "After reading the novel a second time, I decided it needed a small revision before submitting it for publication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Tennis history is in need of a small revision.

The Guardian - Sport

But her changing circumstances have already inspired her to make one small revision.

The New Yorker

We would do it all over again with one small revision -- this time around Grandma would be with us.

The New York Times

Fresh off his success in getting voter approval for a small revision of the City Charter, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg left the door open yesterday for pursuing another charter change: a ban on indoor smoking.

The New York Times

Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said the small revision to first-quarter growth supported her view that the economy would grow a moderate 2.2 percent for the year, the same as last year.

The New York Times

But even a small revision, if it comes, would probably rattle the financial markets and might even hamper America's ability to borrow the money it needs to finance its deficit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Go see it and make suggestions for small revisions on this blog.

The New Yorker

Mr. Davies, too, is enjoying the opportunity to suggest small revisions as he goes.

The New York Times

With his small revisions, Melville weighed the glossy vocabulary of romanticism against the starker vocabulary of nascent realism.

The New York Times

In fact she writes in longhand, typing up her work at the end of each day, making small revisions as she goes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Among the small revisions scrawled at the bottom is the added line: "Better jump in a manhole/ light yourself a candle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small revision", be specific about what was revised. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity, especially in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "small revision" to describe changes that are actually major or substantial. Misrepresenting the extent of the revisions can mislead your audience and damage your credibility. Use more accurate terms like "significant changes" or "substantial updates" if the revisions are extensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small revision" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "revision". It is typically used to describe the extent or scope of changes made to a document, plan, or process, indicating that the alterations are not significant. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small revision" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe minor changes or adjustments made to something, whether it's a document, a plan, or a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in diverse contexts, from news and media to science and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the changes truly are minor, as misrepresenting the scale can mislead your audience. Alternatives like "minor correction" or "slight adjustment" can provide variety, but the core meaning remains the same: minimal alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small adjustment

Rephrases with synonym adjustment.

minor correction

Focuses on the act of correcting something small.

minor modification

Rephrases with synonym modification.

slight adjustment

Emphasizes a minimal change made for improvement.

tiny alteration

Highlights the insignificance of the change.

modest amendment

Suggests a restrained and limited modification.

minimal modification

Stresses the least possible amount of change.

slight change

Emphasizes a minimal difference or variation.

minor tweak

Implies a small, fine-tuning adjustment.

slight refinement

Focuses on making something more polished or precise with minimal changes.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The document only requires a "small revision" before it's ready for publication", indicating that only minor changes are needed.

What are some alternatives to "small revision"?

Alternatives include phrases like "minor correction", "slight adjustment", or "minor modification", which all convey the idea of a slight change.

Is it appropriate to use "small revision" in a formal document?

Yes, "small revision" is appropriate for formal documents when the changes are genuinely minor. It clearly communicates that the document has been updated but hasn't undergone major restructuring.

What's the difference between "small revision" and "major overhaul"?

"Small revision" refers to minor changes and corrections, while "major overhaul" implies a complete restructuring or redesign. A "small revision" addresses minor issues, whereas a major overhaul significantly transforms the original work.