ability to alter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to alter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or power to change or modify something. Example: "The software provides users with the ability to alter their settings according to their preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he is realistic about his ability to alter a deeply ingrained culture.

The New York Times

The greatest soccer players all seem to have this ability to alter your perception of time.

The New Yorker

It is concluded that some chemicals involved may have the ability to alter wettability.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

A remarkable characteristic of some mollusks is the ability to alter their sex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As technology and science advances, I think the ability to alter yourself should be embraced".

Independent

Airlines seem to have the ability to alter schedules without compensating the passenger for consequential losses.

Independent

Lincoln also exhibited a remarkable ability to alter his attitudes according to circumstance.

The New York Times

The researchers found that Viagra has the ability to alter hamsters' internal clocks (their "circadian rythms").

The Economist

Chemicals are then tested for their ability to alter this behavior.

The New York Times - Magazine

A correlation was observed between metal ion's ability to alter HSA conformation and protein unfolding.

Biochimie

Ethinyl estradiol (EE) and progestins have the ability to alter endothelial function.

Contraception

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to alter", ensure the context clearly specifies what can be altered and to what extent. For example, "the ability to alter the code" provides more clarity than simply "the ability to alter".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to alter" when the actual change is minimal or superficial. Instead, consider using words like "adjust", "modify", or "tweak" to more accurately reflect the degree of change involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to alter" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to make changes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used across a range of sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to alter" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the capacity or power to change something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The sources confirm that its usage is widespread, denoting a potential for modification or transformation. Alternatives include phrases like "capacity to modify" or "power to change", but be mindful of accurately portraying the scope of change when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to modify

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "alter" with "modify", focusing on the extent of change.

power to change

Substitutes "ability" with "power" and "alter" with "change", emphasizing the strength or influence.

capability to transform

Replaces "ability" with "capability" and "alter" with "transform", implying a more significant or fundamental change.

potential to adjust

Substitutes "ability" with "potential" and "alter" with "adjust", suggesting a future possibility of change.

facility to adapt

Replaces "ability" with "facility" and "alter" with "adapt", highlighting the ease or readiness to change.

scope to revise

Changes "ability" to "scope" and "alter" to "revise", focusing on extent or range of modification.

room to amend

Substitutes "ability" with "room" and "alter" with "amend", suggesting an opportunity for improvement or correction.

chance to reshape

Replaces "ability" with "chance" and "alter" with "reshape", indicating an opportunity to change the form or structure.

option to vary

Changes "ability" to "option" and "alter" to "vary", emphasizing choice or diversity.

leeway to convert

Substitutes "ability" with "leeway" and "alter" with "convert", implying a freedom to change the nature or function.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to alter" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to alter" to describe someone's or something's capacity to change or modify something, as in "The software provides users with the ability to alter their settings".

What are some alternatives to "ability to alter"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to modify", "power to change", or "capability to transform" depending on the context.

Is "ability to alter" formal or informal?

"Ability to alter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The specific tone depends more on the surrounding vocabulary.

What is the difference between "ability to alter" and "tendency to alter"?

"Ability to alter" refers to the capacity or power to change something, while "tendency to alter" refers to an inclination or likelihood to change something. The former focuses on capability, and the latter on behavior.