Alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'Alteration' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a change or modification made to something, often in a small way. Example: "The tailor made some alterations to my dress so that it would fit perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

[ORIGIN 1990s: probably an alteration of WORK.] Twerk seems to have arisen in the early 1990s, in the context of the bounce music scene in New Orleans.

The Guardian - Books

The panel can recommend a range of remedies, including corrections, alteration or removal of content, deletion, apologies or providing a right of reply ("the recommendation").

The Guardian

By making this simple, and low budget, alteration to the images that young women see when they're surfing for careers after finishing school, Sellafield has bucked the trend in a big way.

The Guardian

Addressing the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which deals with complaints about the intelligence services and surveillance, lawyers for Privacy International said they had only been informed of the alteration earlier this week.

The Guardian

The most likely theory about the origin of this word is that it is an alteration of work, because that word has a history of being used in similar ways, with dancers being encouraged to "work it".

The Guardian - Books

Repairs go without saying, and a little alteration can upgrade an item's fashion rating no end.

The Guardian

But Daldry's announcement is a sign that a growing number of gay men see their sexuality as a short-term option, forever subject to alteration according to whim, age or social position.

The Guardian - Film

To some, touching the hallowed concrete landscape – a site of pilgrimage for skateboarders and brutalist fans – was heresy, with any suggestion of alteration to be dismissed outright.

The Guardian - Arts

Importantly, it covers not just old-fashioned coups, but "an unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional regime" of the kind perpetrated by Alberto Fujimori when he shut down Peru's Congress in 1992.

The Economist

Not only does this reinforce a better approach; it may also persuade them that they are seeing the alteration they want to bring about.The fact that the firm usually foots the bill for coaching has two big implications.

The Economist

They object, in Dr Kass's words, to "the alteration...enhancement [and] wholesale redesign" of human nature itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific type of change, consider using a more precise synonym for "alteration" such as "modification", "revision", or "adjustment" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "alteration" in formal contexts. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "modification" or "revision" to make your writing more sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The word "Alteration" primarily functions as a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes the act or process of changing something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from legal documents to fashion, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "Alteration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun signifying the act of modifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While it is most common in news and scientific writing, its neutral register allows for usage across various contexts. When writing, consider using more specific synonyms to enhance clarity and avoid over-reliance on the word in formal pieces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Modification

Focuses on making specific changes, often minor, to improve something.

Adjustment

Implies a fine-tuning to achieve a better fit or result.

Change

A broad term for becoming different, without specifying the nature or extent of the difference.

Revision

Suggests a careful review and correction of something, often a written document.

Amendment

Indicates a formal or legal change to a document or agreement.

Transformation

Implies a significant and dramatic change in form or appearance.

Conversion

Focuses on a change from one state, form, or belief to another.

Refinement

Suggests improving something by making small changes.

Reshaping

Implies changing the form or structure of something.

Restructuring

Indicates a fundamental change in the organization or system of something.

FAQs

How can I use "Alteration" in a sentence?

You can use "alteration" to describe a change or modification made to something. For example, "The dress required some alteration to fit perfectly".

What can I say instead of "Alteration"?

You can use alternatives like "modification", "adjustment", or "change" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Alteration" or "Altering"?

"Alteration" is a noun that refers to the act of changing something, while "altering" is the verb form. For instance, "The alteration was necessary" versus "They are altering the plans".

What's the difference between "Alteration" and "transformation"?

"Alteration" typically refers to a small or superficial change, whereas "transformation" implies a significant and dramatic change.