a significant alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a notable or important change in a situation, document, or object. Example: "The report highlighted a significant alteration in the company's financial strategy that could impact future growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elongation stage (6 DPA) fibers from Li 1 demonstrated a significant alteration in transcript profiles, with 1,398 target sequences showing altered expression in the mutant.

BMC Genomics

He has worked with the pitching coach, Mel Stottlemyre, apparently making a significant alteration to his delivery to keep him from telegraphing his pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

However the assessors preferred brick, a significant alteration that allowed for Nordic boldness and dexterous external craftsmanship, which was revealed after the recent refurbishment.

The Guardian - Arts

These changes are all well and good, but the most exciting part of the WTA map — for the casual fan — is a significant alteration of a ranking system that can only be described as byzantine.

The New York Times - Sports

The reasoning behind this was that such a significant alteration in social attitudes can be effective only if instituted at the earliest possible age, when the child's nature is pliant and unformed.

The New Yorker

Towards the 1960s, Apel claims, the Heideggerian conception of truth undergoes a significant alteration.

SEP

A significant alteration in the texture and morphology was also observed for the modified CN samples.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Direct compression did not induce a significant alteration in the starch-hydrolysing activity.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

However, in this study AST elevation was followed by a significant alteration in AST/ALT ratio (Figure 2A).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Presumably, a significant alteration in the backbone dynamics makes the difference between SVMPs that induce hemorrhage and the inactive ones.

Journal of Cheminformatics

A significant alteration in more than 30 microRNAs (~8% of the assays) was detected during the screening.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant alteration", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered and the impact of that alteration. For example, specify "a significant alteration in policy" rather than just "a significant alteration."

Common error

Avoid using "a significant alteration" for minor changes. Reserve it for changes that genuinely have a substantial impact or effect. Using it for trivial adjustments weakens its meaning and can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant alteration" functions as a noun phrase, with "significant" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "alteration". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant alteration" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a notable change. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is common across various contexts, especially in scientific and news domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the alteration is indeed significant and the context clarifies what has been altered and its impact. Consider alternatives like "a major modification" or "a considerable change" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major modification

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the change.

a substantial adjustment

Focuses on the act of making something fit or conform.

a considerable change

Highlights the degree or extent of the difference.

a marked transformation

Suggests a visible or noticeable change in form or appearance.

a profound revision

Implies a deep and thorough alteration.

a sweeping reform

Denotes a widespread and comprehensive change.

a drastic shift

Highlights a sudden and extreme change in direction or position.

a fundamental restructuring

Emphasizes an alteration to the basic structure or organization.

a notable deviation

Focuses on a departure from a standard or expected course.

a radical departure

Highlights a complete divergence from previous norms or practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant alteration" to describe an important change. For example, "The new regulations represent "a significant alteration" in environmental policy."

What phrases can I use instead of "a significant alteration"?

Alternatives to "a significant alteration" include "a major modification", "a substantial adjustment", or "a considerable change" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant change" or "a significant alteration"?

Both "significant change" and "a significant alteration" are grammatically correct. "A significant alteration" is more formal and emphasizes the act of changing something, while "significant change" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "a significant alteration" and "a slight modification"?

"A significant alteration" describes a major change with noticeable impact, whereas "a slight modification" refers to a minor adjustment that may not be immediately apparent. The choice depends on the degree of change you wish to convey.