Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a fundamental alteration
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
"I think examination will show that there has now been a fundamental alteration.
News & Media
"Thus it might be waived in individual cases without working a fundamental alteration," he said.
News & Media
Also, items may be exempted if they require a fundamental alteration or there is an undue burden, terms that are subject to interpretation.
News & Media
Critics may also discern a feeling of defeat in having to undertake such a fundamental alteration in the hope of saving students' lives.
News & Media
The three dissenting judges said that the Ring decision should not apply retroactively because it announced neither a new substantive rule nor a fundamental alteration of a procedural one.
News & Media
We like to imagine that the coming of modern times marks a fundamental alteration in human experience.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
Some have argued that these changes in the sleep-wake cycle are actually aspects of a more fundamental alteration in circadian rhythms.
This is a fundamental change".
News & Media
Listening underwent a fundamental change.
News & Media
It's a fundamental change.
News & Media
Scott Styles, a senior lecturer in law at Aberdeen University, described the move as "dangerous" and said: "This is a major and fundamental alteration in our constitution; what is being changed is not a right of the PM but a power of the Commons.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In formal and scientific writing, this phrase is ideal for describing shifts in data patterns, biological structures or legal frameworks.
Common error
Do not use "a fundamental alteration" to describe trivial or surface-level edits. If you are describing a small tweak to a sentence or a minor color change in a design, using such a heavy phrase can come across as hyperbolic or inaccurate. Instead, consider using "a minor tweak" or "a slight adjustment".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
This is a noun phrase composed of an indefinite article, a central adjective, and a head noun. In most contexts provided by Ludwig, it functions as the direct object of a verb (e.g. "required "a fundamental alteration"") or follows a preposition (e.g. "results in "a fundamental alteration"").
Frequent in
Science
48%
News & Media
35%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
1%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a fundamental alteration" is a highly effective linguistic tool for describing deep, systemic changes that affect the very core of a subject. According to data from Ludwig, it is most prevalent in scientific research and serious journalism, where it serves to distinguish profound modifications from minor adjustments. Whether used to describe a shift in ocean chemistry, a change in constitutional law, or a transformation in social attitudes, it carries a weight of authority and precision. Writers should use it when they want to convey that a subject's basic structure or nature has been definitively changed, while opting for simpler alternatives like "a big change" in more casual settings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a radical change
Suggests a more abrupt and dramatic departure from the previous state
a profound shift
Emphasizes the depth of the change and is often used in social or psychological contexts
a substantial transformation
Focuses on the complete change in form or character of the subject
an elemental change
Very formal phrasing that highlights change at the most primary level
a significant modification
More technical and slightly less intense, implying a purposeful adjustment
a deep-seated revision
Used when referring to ideas, beliefs or texts that have been changed at their foundation
a core amendment
Often used in legal or structural contexts to describe a change to the heart of a document or system
a basic reconfiguration
Suggests that the components are rearranged in a fundamental way
a structural revamp
Implies a reorganization of the underlying framework rather than just its attributes
a pivotal readjustment
Indicates a strategic turn that changes the direction of a process
FAQs
How do I use "a fundamental alteration" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe major shifts, for example: "The move to remote work represented "a fundamental alteration" in corporate culture." It works well as both a subject and an object.
What can I say instead of "a fundamental alteration"?
Depending on your context, you could use "a radical change" for drama, "a profound shift" for social trends, or "a substantial transformation" for a change in state.
Is "a fundamental alteration" more formal than "a big change"?
Yes, "a fundamental alteration" is much more formal and precise. While "a big change" is common in conversation, the query phrase is preferred in academic, news, and legal writing.
What is the difference between "a fundamental alteration" and "a fundamental change"?
There is very little difference in meaning. However, "a fundamental change" is more frequently used in general news, whereas "a fundamental alteration" often appears in scientific research (like cell biology) and legal contexts regarding the modification of rules.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested