with small changes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with small changes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something can be modified or adjusted slightly while retaining its overall structure or meaning. Example: "The original plan can be implemented with small changes to better fit our current needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The legislature virtually always passes government proposals, though sometimes with small changes.

The New York Times

"I make wine the way I made it 20 years ago, but always with small changes.

The New York Times - Food

The weather is conspicuously nonlinear, with small changes in one area producing deadly storms elsewhere.

The New York Times - Science

"It's not realistic to make the changes overnight, but you can start with small changes," she explains.

Harvard University

We wondered how often statistically significant results in RCTs may be lost with small changes in the numbers of outcomes.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

The humerus became increasingly more flexed as the push progressed with small changes observed in humeral abduction and internal rotation.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Modulation of multiple aryl substituents afforded both agonists and antagonists, with small changes often reversing the mode of action.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

The Office for National Statistics demonstrated this beautifully when it experimented with small changes to the question on religion in preparation for the 2011 census.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems that the cosmic rays swipe electrons off molecules in Neptune's atmosphere and, combined with small changes in sunlight, help to modulate the formation of clouds.

The Guardian

As visitors wander through the sites, their actions will be closely monitored, with small changes to the sites to see reactions.

The New York Times

Because the gels are near their critical point, they can be regenerated with small changes in pH.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with small changes" to indicate that adjustments are minor and don't fundamentally alter the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "with small changes" when the modifications significantly alter the outcome or meaning. Ensure the changes are genuinely minor to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with small changes" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action or object is subject to minor alterations. Ludwig examples show this phrase modifying how something is done or the state of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with small changes" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate minor modifications or adjustments. As affirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse fields make it a reliable choice for expressing adaptability without fundamental alteration. While common in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "with small changes", ensure the modifications are genuinely minor to maintain accuracy. Alternatives like "with minor adjustments" or "with slight modifications" can provide more precision in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with slight modifications

Focuses on the act of modifying to a small extent.

with minor adjustments

Highlights the act of adjusting something in a small way.

with subtle alterations

Emphasizes the delicate nature of the changes.

with a few tweaks

Uses a more informal term for small adjustments.

with minimal variations

Stresses the limited scope of the variations.

with marginal differences

Highlights the small degree of difference.

with gentle refinements

Indicates improvements made in a delicate manner.

with incremental changes

Focuses on changes that happen gradually.

subject to slight revisions

Implies a formal process of revising something with small corrections.

with barely perceptible shifts

Emphasizes how difficult it is to notice the changes.

FAQs

How can I use "with small changes" in a sentence?

Use "with small changes" to indicate that something remains largely the same despite some minor modifications. For example, "The original plan can be implemented "with small changes" to better suit our current needs".

What are some alternatives to saying "with small changes"?

You can use alternatives like "with minor adjustments", "with slight modifications", or "with a few tweaks" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "with small changes" in formal writing?

Yes, "with small changes" is appropriate for formal writing. However, in more academic or technical contexts, consider using alternatives like "with minor adjustments" or "with slight modifications" for a more precise tone.

What's the difference between "with small changes" and "with significant changes"?

"With small changes" indicates that the modifications are minor and do not fundamentally alter the subject, while "with significant changes" implies that the modifications are substantial and may result in a different outcome or meaning.