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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a fundamental alteration

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

The Guardian

"Thus it might be waived in individual cases without working a fundamental alteration," he said.

Also, items may be exempted if they require a fundamental alteration or there is an undue burden, terms that are subject to interpretation.

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 New York Times

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

The New York Times

We like to imagine that the coming of modern times marks a fundamental alteration in human experience.

News & Media

BBC
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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

The New York Times

Listening underwent a fundamental change.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's a fundamental change.

News & Media

The New York Times

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

The Guardian
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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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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"").

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: