subtle modifications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle modifications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to small or delicate changes made to something, often to improve it or adapt it. Example: "The artist made subtle modifications to the painting, enhancing its overall depth and texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

Mosler says the car's 5.7-liter Corvette engine has "subtle modifications" and teams with a six-speed manual transmission.

Forbes

The results will benefit the design of band structures, especially subtle modifications by selecting suitable wall undulations.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

One adaptive mechanism to help modulate stress response is to act through subtle modifications of gene expression, primarily through epigenetic mechanisms such as methylation and histone modifications.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

More importantly, if results improve through subtle modifications of the scoring, then this is an indication that FT quality did also improve.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Our findings indicate that subtle modifications in the peptide moiety of lipopeptides have a great impact on the immunomodulatory properties of these molecules.

Molecular Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, use "subtle modifications" to emphasize that the alterations are not drastic or readily apparent. This is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing.

Common error

While "subtle modifications" is appropriate in formal and technical contexts, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "small changes" or "slight adjustments" may be more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle modifications" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe minor changes or adjustments made to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle modifications" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within scientific, news, and formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys minor, often nuanced, alterations. When writing, consider the formality of your context; while suitable for professional and academic settings, simpler terms may be preferable in casual conversation. Be mindful of overuse, and remember alternatives like "minor adjustments" or "slight alterations" can provide variety. This phrase helps specify that changes are not drastic but can be meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor adjustments

Emphasizes the small degree of change involved.

slight alterations

Highlights the minimal impact of the changes.

delicate refinements

Suggests a precise and careful process of improvement.

gentle adjustments

Indicates a smooth and almost imperceptible change.

fine-tuning

Implies making small adjustments to optimize performance.

minute changes

Focuses on the extremely small size of the alterations.

marginal improvements

Stresses the small degree of betterment achieved.

imperceptible shifts

Conveys that the changes are difficult to notice.

nuanced alterations

Highlights the complexity and subtlety of the changes.

slight adaptations

Focuses on adapting something through minimal changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "subtle modifications" to describe small changes made to something. For example, "The artist made "subtle modifications" to the painting to enhance its realism."

What's the difference between "subtle modifications" and "major changes"?

"Subtle modifications" refer to small, often unnoticeable alterations, while "major changes" imply significant and easily visible transformations.

What can I say instead of "subtle modifications"?

You can use alternatives like "minor adjustments", "slight alterations", or "delicate refinements" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "subtle modifications"?

The phrase "subtle modifications" is most appropriate in formal, scientific, or technical contexts where precision and detail are important. It's commonly used in fields like engineering, medicine, and art to describe minor adjustments or refinements.