a few altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few altered" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to a small number of changes or modifications made to something, but it needs additional context to be meaningful. Example: "After reviewing the document, I noticed that a few altered sections needed further clarification."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Ballo" has done just fine as Verdi left it, and this restoration amounted to a word here, a word there and a few altered notes in the vocal line.

The New York Times - Arts

The last time Ms. Shaw and Ms. Warner took on one of his plays — "Footfalls" in 1994 — there was a showdown with the estate over a few altered stage directions that led to a firestorm of controversy and a circus in the British press.

The New York Times

And you should not decide while you are emotional, overtired, or drunk -- just to name a few altered states.

HuffPost

Early genetic changes that give rise to large numbers of altered VZ cells may give rise to tubers, whereas late genetic changes, which give rise to one or only a few altered VZ cells may give rise to microtubers.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Central to resistance to evolution education are fundamental misconceptions about what science is and how it works (e.g., the "nature of science") that can be seen in accusations that evolution is "just a theory" or is not experimentally "proven," to name a few (Alters and Alters2001 Luskin20099).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Radiation induced very few altered genes in jejunum and ileum.

BMC Genomics

The valuable effects of this principle of making legislators ineligible to offices for a given time, has never yet been sufficiently attended to or considered: I am assured, that it was established by the convention after long debate, and afterwards, on an unfortunate change of a few members, altered.

University of Chicago

By performing copy number alteration analysis using Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer (GISTIC) [ 30] in 16 types of cancers, we have found a diverse spectra of copy number alteration patterns, and show that only a few significantly altered genomic regions are present across multiple cancer types (Additional file 1: Figure S2).

BMC Genomics

That film, of course, became "E.T.," a genuine children's classic that is being reissued today in a refurbished version (related article, Page 1 of Weekend), with a few lines altered, a couple of scenes added and many of the old optical special effects replaced with new digital technology.

The New York Times

Various methods have been employed to search for caspase substrates, including direct cDNA pool expression strategies or two-hybrid cloning approaches.5,6 By comparative two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis of healthy and apoptotic cells, often a few hundred altered protein spots can be detected.

Nature

There have also been a few substantially altered versions of the game that have been released as pseudo-sequels, and ura- or gaiden-versions.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few altered", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been changed and to what extent. For instance, specify "a few altered lines" or "a few altered states".

Common error

Avoid using "a few altered" without specifying what has been altered. Without context, the phrase is too vague. Provide clarity by stating specifically what aspect or element has undergone change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few altered" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a limited quantity of something that has undergone change or modification. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase benefits from specific context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few altered" is used to describe a small number of modifications. Ludwig AI notes that while grammatically acceptable, the phrase often benefits from added clarity by specifying what exactly has been altered. Usage is relatively uncommon, spanning across diverse sources from news and media to scientific publications. While the phrase is generally acceptable in a neutral register, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies what the "few" refers to, preventing vagueness and enhancing overall understanding. The best practice is always specify what has been altered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly modified

This alternative emphasizes the minor nature of the changes.

a couple of changes

Focuses on the quantity of modifications being very small.

some adjustments

Highlights the act of making things align better.

a handful of modifications

This suggests a small, easily manageable number of changes.

marginally adjusted

This highlights a very small degree of change.

a small number altered

Rephrases the original by specifying the quantity more explicitly.

limited alterations

This emphasizes the restricted extent of the changes.

few variations

Shifts the focus to the presence of different versions.

slightly different

Highlights the state of being not exactly alike.

a touch modified

This suggests an even lighter or subtler level of change.

FAQs

How can I use "a few altered" in a sentence?

Use "a few altered" to indicate that minor changes have been made to something. For instance, "The document had "a few altered" paragraphs after the revision".

What's a good alternative to "a few altered"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "slightly modified", "a couple of changes", or "some adjustments".

Is it correct to say "a few altered"?

The phrase "a few altered" is generally acceptable, though it can sometimes lack clarity. It's better to specify what was altered, such as ""a few altered" details".

What's the difference between "a few altered" and "some changes"?

"A few altered" emphasizes that a small number of things have been modified from a previous state, while "some changes" simply indicates that changes have occurred without specifying the quantity. "Some changes" might be more general.