subtly modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtly modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been changed in a subtle or understated way, often implying that the changes are not immediately obvious. Example: "The design of the product was subtly modified to enhance its usability without altering its overall appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The same tropes are bound to recur, subtly modified, as similar problems bring forth similar solutions.

The Guardian - Film

The Hebrew texts in particular feature what have been called "key-words," words or phrases repeated and subtly modified in a passage, as a kind of threaded meaning.

The New Yorker

The political system is based on the Westminster model inherited from Britain, but subtly modified to prevent the emergence of a serious opposition party.

The Economist

This understanding was subtly modified by Thoreau's mentor, Emerson, who agreed that the world was a manifestation of spirit — "Every natural fact is a symbol of some spiritual fact," he wrote — but believed natural facts had only a latent meaning until they were perceived by a human observer.

The New Yorker

Sumerian in origin, Mesopotamian religion was added to and subtly modified by the Akkadians (Semites who emigrated into Mesopotamia from the west at the end of the 4th millennium bce), whose own beliefs were in large measure assimilated to, and integrated with, those of their new environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To do that, we notice that some of the definitions involved in the last theorem were subtly modified in [17] in the following sense.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Sony is taking a similar approach to the way it subtly modifies the standard Android experience for its smartphones and tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

They developed a theory of speculative investor behavior and stock-bubble formation that subtly modifies rational expectations "in a beautiful way" and "captures Keynes's argument, makes it rigorous, and pushes it further," he said.

The New York Times

And Ms. Gens, with a wonderfully straightforward delivery, conveys many of the composers' nuances, keeping the sense of the poetry at the surface of awareness, letting the words come across without doing anything to get in their way, subtly modifying her style to suit them.

The New York Times - Arts

Update: As comments below note, this actually is quite useful when you're subtly modifying the same search query to get even more specific.

TechCrunch

In addition, the increased amplitude and speeding of GC APs that we have observed may subtly modify the characteristics of glutamate release at downstream synapses between GC axons (parallel fibers) and PCs.

Brain Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, use "subtly modified" to convey that the modifications are minor and might not be immediately noticeable. This is particularly useful in technical or design contexts where precision matters.

Common error

Avoid using "subtly modified" when the changes are actually significant or easily visible. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtly modified" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "subtly" acts as an adverb modifying the adjective "modified". This indicates a change that is not immediately obvious or significant. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from film tropes to political systems, to convey nuances in meaning and form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtly modified" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing changes that are minor or not immediately noticeable. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase serves to communicate a gentle shift or adaptation, as opposed to a major overhaul. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, signaling its use in analytical and descriptive writing. While the examples provided by Ludwig showcase this phrase's adaptability, it is crucial to avoid overstating the degree of change when employing it. Thus, the expression is most effective when precision and accuracy in describing the extent of a modification are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly adjusted

Emphasizes a minor correction or alteration.

Gently altered

Highlights a soft and delicate change, minimizing impact.

Mildly revised

Suggests a light review and subsequent modification.

Delicately tweaked

Implies fine-tuning for improved performance or appearance.

Imperceptibly changed

Focuses on how the modification is almost impossible to notice.

Minutely adjusted

Stresses the small scale of the adjustment.

Faintly transformed

Indicates a transformation that is only barely perceptible.

Nuanced variation

Highlights a subtle difference in detail or quality.

Softly reformed

Conveys a gentle and gradual process of reformation.

Refined ever so slightly

Emphasizes the small degree of refinement applied.

FAQs

How can I use "subtly modified" in a sentence?

You can use "subtly modified" to describe something that has been changed in a way that is not immediately obvious. For example, "The recipe was "subtly modified" to enhance the flavor without altering the overall taste."

What's a synonym for "subtly modified"?

Synonyms for "subtly modified" include "slightly adjusted", "gently altered", or "mildly revised". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "subtly modified" and "significantly changed"?

"Subtly modified" suggests minor, almost imperceptible alterations. "Significantly changed" indicates substantial and easily noticeable differences. Use "subtly modified" when the changes are minimal and "significantly changed" when the changes are major.

Is it appropriate to use "subtly modified" in formal writing?

Yes, "subtly modified" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a precise meaning and is widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. The related phrase "delicately tweaked" would not be appropriate.