subtle modification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle modification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a slight or delicate change made to something, often to improve or adjust it without being overly obvious. Example: "The designer made a subtle modification to the color scheme, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That may have prompted Facebook to scale back its ambitions from true fork of Android to this more subtle modification.

TechCrunch

In our cases, subtle modification of Fisher's method was introduced to improve lip contour on the philtral ridge; orbicularis oris muscle overlapping.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Now a team reports that one serious side effect can be overcome by a subtle modification in the amino acid sequence of the promising drug.

Science Magazine

The emphasis is placed on CSMA with enhanced collision avoidance (CSMA/ECA), a subtle modification to CSMA/CA that uses a deterministic backoff after successful transmissions to avoid collisions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Detailed structure-activity relationships (SARs) studies on the aglycone of compound 1 indicated that the subtle modification of oleanolic acid as an aglycon has key influences on the antiviral activity.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Detailed structure activity relationships (SARs) studies on the aglycone of compound 3 indicated that both the type of pentacyclic triterpene and the subtle modification of ursolic acid as an aglycon had key influences on the antiviral activity.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

To the untrained eye, these are subtle modifications.

The New York Times - Sports

They are able to do this through subtle modifications of the pattern and fit of their otherwise standard garments.

The New Yorker

Yes, you read that correctly – millions, although you soon realise that most of these on-the-fly creations are subtle modifications of the usual rifles, pistols, rocket launchers etc.

The Guardian - Tech

Subtle modifications were incorporated into the structure of clinical candidate 1.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

In 2007, the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification was published, introducing subtle modifications to the RIFLE criteria.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in technical or scientific contexts, use "subtle modification" to convey precision and avoid exaggerating the impact of the adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle modification" when the change is actually substantial or transformative. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle modification" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act or result of making a slight or delicate alteration to something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle modification" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor or delicate change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English. Its frequency is uncommon, and it is primarily found in scientific and news contexts. When using "subtle modification", ensure that the change you are describing is indeed minor and that the context aligns with the formal tone often associated with this phrase. Remember to avoid overstating the significance of the modification to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting something slightly.

minor alteration

Highlights the small scale of the change made.

delicate change

Emphasizes the finesse and care involved in the change.

nuanced adjustment

Implies a change that is finely tuned and sensitive to detail.

refined alteration

Suggests an improvement made through careful adjustments.

imperceptible shift

Focuses on the difficulty in noticing the change.

gentle refinement

Highlights the mild and careful nature of the improvement.

marginal improvement

Implies the change results in a slight but positive outcome.

minimal adjustment

Emphasizes that the adjustment is as small as possible.

tactful alteration

Suggests the change was made with sensitivity and consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "subtle modification" in a sentence?

You can use "subtle modification" to describe a minor change or adjustment made to something. For example, "The software update included a "subtle modification" to the user interface."

What is another way to say "subtle modification"?

Alternatives to "subtle modification" include "slight adjustment", "minor alteration", or "delicate change" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a subtle modifications"?

No, it should be "a subtle modification" (singular) or "subtle modifications" (plural). The noun "modification" should agree in number with the article.

What's the difference between "subtle modification" and "significant change"?

"Subtle modification" implies a small, often barely noticeable alteration, while "significant change" indicates a more substantial and impactful alteration. Use "subtle modification" when the change is minor and "significant change" when the change has a major effect.