a radical alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a radical alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or fundamental change in a situation, process, or object. Example: "The new policy introduced a radical alteration in the way we approach employee evaluations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There seems to have been a radical alteration in the price-performance equation while hardly anybody was looking.

The New York Times

Behind the arcane change in wording is part of a radical alteration of American arms control strategy.

The New York Times

The Beethoven cello sonatas are an example; while the cello has evolved since 1796, the size and tone of its voice have not undergone a radical alteration.

The New York Times - Arts

This new landscape of cannabis urges to make a radical alteration in the public communication about this drug of abuse as it has yet collected so many troubles, accidents or tragedies.

Annales Pharmaceutiques Françaises

"If the Justice Department is widely staffed with junior ideological versions of John Ashcroft, that will represent a radical alteration and promises a return to the Reagan era," said Prof. David J. Garrow of the Emory University Law School in Atlanta, a longtime student of the Justice Department.

The New York Times

On the other hand, William Godwin, an English political philosopher of the early 19th century, assumed the basic goodness of human nature and argued that the greatest happiness would follow from a radical alteration of society in the direction of anarchism.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It would appear that elite Washington and London didn't really think that Jews were important enough to merit any radical alteration of war plans.

The Guardian - Books

Major alterations included a radical change to overall treatment because of changes in diagnosis, disease stage or patient circumstance.

British Journal of Cancer

Undoubtedly, a crucial consequence of this election is a potentially radical alteration of the ideological identity of the Court.

Huffington Post

There was a more radical alteration from Swansea, as manager Garry Monk switched to a midfield diamond for the first time.

BBC

But moves by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, for a more radical alteration to the treaty were rebuffed, as the leaders emphasized a more limited and technical set of changes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a radical alteration" to convey a sense of significant and fundamental change, especially when emphasizing the depth or scope of the modification. For example, when discussing policy changes or scientific breakthroughs.

Common error

Avoid using "a radical alteration" to describe superficial or minor adjustments. This phrase is best reserved for changes that represent a fundamental shift or a significant departure from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a radical alteration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and fundamental change or modification. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears in various contexts to denote substantial shifts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a radical alteration" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant and fundamental change. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. It is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of deep modification, but should be reserved for substantial shifts rather than minor adjustments. Alternatives include "a fundamental shift" or "a drastic modification". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and utility in conveying significant change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental shift

Emphasizes a deep, foundational change, going to the very roots of something.

a drastic modification

Highlights the severity and extent of the change, suggesting a forceful adjustment.

a complete transformation

Implies a thorough and comprehensive change, resulting in something entirely new.

a revolutionary development

Suggests an innovative and groundbreaking change, often with widespread impact.

a sea change

Indicates a major and pervasive shift in attitudes, opinions, or conditions.

a total overhaul

Describes a comprehensive renovation or reconstruction, leaving little untouched.

a sweeping reform

Implies a broad and extensive change, often with the aim of improvement.

a paradigm shift

Refers to a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

a tectonic shift

Draws a comparison to geological events to represent a huge and impactful change.

a game changer

Highlights the dramatic impact of the alteration as something that fundamentally changes the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a radical alteration" to describe a significant change or modification. For example: "The company underwent "a radical alteration" in its management structure."

What are some alternatives to using "a radical alteration"?

Some alternatives include "a fundamental shift", "a drastic modification", or "a complete transformation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a radical alteration"?

Use "a radical alteration" when the change is fundamental, extensive, and significant. Avoid using it for minor or superficial adjustments.

Is "a radical change" the same as "a radical alteration"?

While both phrases describe significant shifts, "a radical change" is a more general term. "A radical alteration" often implies a specific modification or adjustment that results in a significant difference.