small variation

USAGE SUMMARY

'small variation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small change or difference in something. For example: "The new version of the software shows only small variations from the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each take presents a small variation.

The New Yorker

A small variation on that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tuning frequency was one factor correlated with small variation.

Forensic Chemistry

A small variation makes the particle system fire to the side.

Cornell University

The small variation in the overall transmission across bands is mainly because of the frequency response of the grating couplers.

Nature

The small variation indicates, however, that all three instruments measure different aspects of physical activity.

Bone

The dispersion term for all complexes is almost constant with small variation and magnitude.

Polyhedron

When there are 40 different events that are all some small variation on rolling up the rim, give Canada a call and we'll be there.

The Guardian - Sport

The mayor pointed out that test scores might be tipped downward by only a very small variation in student performance from year to year.

The New Yorker

The proposed equations, which are simple to use, yield reliable predictions with a small variation.

Engineering Structures

Figure S9 shows an unexpected crossover effect: groups with small variation in reputations ρi are more sensitive to the group size than groups with high variation in reputation.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small variation", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being varied and the baseline for comparison. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small variation" when the difference is actually substantial. Ensure that the magnitude of the difference genuinely warrants the term 'small'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small variation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'small' modifies the noun 'variation'. It describes the degree or extent of difference observed between two or more comparable items. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small variation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe minor differences or changes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in science, news, and academic fields. When using the phrase, ensure the variation is genuinely small and the context clearly identifies what is being compared. Consider alternatives like "slight difference" or "minor change" for nuanced expression. With an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase proves to be a reliable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor change

Focuses on the act of changing, emphasizing that the change is not significant.

slight difference

Highlights the difference between two things, emphasizing that the difference is minimal.

modest alteration

Implies a formal or planned change that is not drastic.

marginal adjustment

Suggests a fine-tuning or correction that has a small impact.

subtle distinction

Emphasizes that the difference is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation.

limited modification

Highlights the restricted extent of the change made.

tiny deviation

Focuses on the act of straying from a standard, where the stray is minimal.

negligible variation

Indicates that the variation is so small it can be ignored without significant consequence.

insignificant difference

Stresses the lack of importance of the difference.

minimal alteration

Stresses that the alteration is kept to a minimum degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "small variation" to describe minimal differences or changes between similar items. For example: "The new model has only a "small variation" in fuel consumption".

What are some alternatives to "small variation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "slight difference", "minor change", or "modest alteration", depending on the specific context.

Is "small variation" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "small variation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, consider using more precise terms if available.

What's the difference between "small variation" and "significant variation"?

"Small variation" indicates a minimal difference, whereas "significant variation" suggests a substantial or noteworthy difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing.