a sudden alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or abrupt change in a situation, condition, or object. Example: "The weather forecast predicted sunshine, but we experienced a sudden alteration to heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Scientists have warned of the possibility, under the influence of climate change, of a sudden alteration in circulation patterns of ocean currents that could drastically alter the climate in some regions of the globe.

Wikipedia

It can also be a sudden alteration in topography, a bewildering landscape transformation — hilly Vermont flattening into Quebec.

The New York Times - Travel

And what if one of these friends, recently vouchsafed (with a sudden alteration in his memory of the intended title) that Sanchez Mazas has sworn to him: 'One day I'll tell the whole story in a book; it'll be called The Soldiers of Salamis'?

The Guardian - Books

Also, reports showed that in microbial physiology, change in temperature leads to a sudden alteration in the activation energy (Khan et al. 2013).

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

To estimate an upper bound on the risk of death after a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE), a sudden alteration in an infant's breathing, color, tone, or responsiveness, previously labeled "apparent life-threatening event" (ALTE).

The Journal of Pediatrics

As expected, a sudden alteration of the connectivity between certain components disrupted task performance generally.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A Sudden Change of Direction.

Science Magazine

The new year marked a sudden change.

SEP

A sudden change of behaviour.

WikiHow

Dissociative disorders are marked by a sudden, temporary alteration in the person's consciousness, sense of identity, or motor behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They believe in the sudden alteration in taste, which is sometimes called love, for without that change there is no true movement in life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in scientific or technical contexts, consider using "a sudden alteration" to emphasize the unexpected and potentially impactful nature of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden alteration" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a sudden change" or "an unexpected shift" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden alteration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an abrupt change, often emphasizing the unexpected nature of the modification, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden alteration" is a noun phrase used to describe an abrupt and unexpected change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic writing. While not exceedingly common, its use is appropriate when emphasizing the unexpected nature of a change. When choosing a substitute, consider alternatives like "an abrupt shift" or "a swift modification" to suit the specific context. The phrase should be used with consideration to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt shift

Emphasizes the quick and unexpected nature of the change.

a swift modification

Highlights the speed and minor degree of the change.

an unexpected transformation

Focuses on the surprise element and the fundamental change involved.

a rapid adjustment

Suggests a fast response or adaptation to a new condition.

an instantaneous revision

Conveys a sense of immediacy and correction.

a precipitous turn

Implies a sharp and potentially dangerous change in direction.

an immediate amendment

Highlights the timeliness and formal aspect of the change.

a surprising deviation

Focuses on the unexpected and non-standard nature of the change.

a quick reversal

Indicates a change to the opposite direction.

a spontaneous mutation

Suggests a change that is sudden and unplanned.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden alteration" to describe an unexpected change in something. For example: "Scientists have warned of the possibility of "a sudden alteration" in circulation patterns of ocean currents."

What's the difference between "a sudden alteration" and "a sudden change"?

While both phrases describe an unexpected shift, "a sudden alteration" often implies a more fundamental or significant change than "a sudden change". "Alteration" suggests a modification to something's core nature.

Which is more formal, "a sudden alteration" or "a sudden change"?

"A sudden alteration" generally carries a more formal tone than "a sudden change". "Alteration" is a more technical or sophisticated word choice.

What can I say instead of "a sudden alteration"?

You can use alternatives like "an abrupt shift", "a swift modification", or "an unexpected transformation" depending on the context.