a major alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant change or modification in a particular context, such as a project, plan, or document. Example: "The committee decided that a major alteration to the original proposal was necessary to meet the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

That year also brought a major alteration to the stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

And appointments are required not with just one plan examiner, but with as many as 10 for a new building and 15 for a major alteration.

The New York Times

"What we are learning with these changing productivity numbers is that a major alteration in how we view our future, how we view Social Security, how we view our fiscal affairs" will be necessary, Mr. Greenspan said.

The New York Times

Inside will be a major alteration: a 30-by-40-foot 30-by-40-foot 30-by-40-foot 30-by-40-footth floor through the eighth is being center out of the strucourtyardgreatoy enhance itstretch.

The New York Times

He said the decision of the Court of Appeals "works a major alteration of the balance of power between the federal and state governments" that "deprives states of the power to enforce against national banks antidiscrimination laws and other laws".

The New York Times

Rivera wrecks bats all the time, but what was unusual this time is that the bats belonged to right-handed hitters -- irrefutable evidence of a major alteration Rivera made in spring training, the introduction of a sinking fastball.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

There is very minimal flex on this shortboard which is unsurprising if you ride regular skateboards but offers a pretty major alteration to how the ride feels.

TechCrunch

The design process of peptidomimetics usually involves an initial major alteration of the peptide backbone, thereby resulting in class A, B, or C mimetics.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

These observations suggest that in a given CRC patient, there could be a few major alterations (genetic and/or epigenetic) that can be crucial for tumorogenesis e.g. key components that could disturb the WNT-pathway such as silencing of the APC gene and activation of the β-catenin gene or up-regulation of repressors of tumor suppressing genes found in patient 1.

BMC Cancer

As they prepare for a long summer of major alteration, the Celtics can try to save face by evoking the Rondo factor.

The New York Times - Sports

This outcome accords with subtle mutations like Cx32V84I [31] and Cx26V84L [32] imparting a pathological phenotypes without major alteration in the unitary ionic conductance [33].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, use "a major alteration" to emphasize the significance and impact of the modification, especially when it fundamentally changes the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a major alteration" for insignificant or superficial changes. Reserve it for instances where the modification fundamentally impacts the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major alteration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig examples show its uses in describing significant changes in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major alteration" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant change or modification. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used in both scientific and news contexts. Related phrases include "a significant modification" and "a substantial change". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the change being described. The frequency of "a major alteration" is considered common. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though careful attention should be paid to the surrounding language's register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant modification

Emphasizes the act of modifying something in a significant way.

a substantial change

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the change.

a considerable adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting something to a considerable degree.

a drastic modification

Indicates a more extreme or radical change.

a fundamental shift

Suggests a change at the most basic or essential level.

a wholesale revision

Implies a complete and thorough reworking.

a sweeping transformation

Conveys a sense of widespread and comprehensive change.

a radical departure

Suggests a significant deviation from the previous state.

a game-changing innovation

Implies innovation will drastically change the environment.

a complete overhaul

Indicates a thorough and comprehensive renovation or reconstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "a major alteration" in a sentence?

Use "a major alteration" to describe a significant change or modification to something. For example: "The new software update represents "a major alteration" to the user interface."

What are some alternatives to "a major alteration"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "a major alteration" instead of "a minor adjustment"?

"A major alteration" is appropriate when the change is significant and has a large impact, while "a minor adjustment" is suitable for small, less impactful changes.

Is "a major alteration" formal or informal language?

"A major alteration" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language should match the appropriate register.