adversely modify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adversely modify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a change that has a negative impact on something. Example: "The new policy may adversely modify the working conditions for employees, leading to decreased morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Aug. 11 memo directs the Fish and Wildlife Service's regional director to conduct an environmental assessment as part of the proposed rule change because the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to show that their actions will not jeopardize or adversely modify critical habitat of a listed species.

The Washington Post

In many circumstances, multiple environmental factors may contribute to adversely modify human health.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In these, diet [ 19], smoking [ 20], substance and alcohol abuse and physical inactivity [ 21] adversely modify risk or prognosis.

BMC Psychiatry

Thus, in patients with an altered lipid profile, these receptors might be overactivated and this can adversely modify the immune phenotype of their DCs.

EMBO Journal

The addition of non-template sequence to a primer may adversely modify the stability of a primer-template dimer; we wished therefore to assess the effect of adding a T7 promoter and additional degenerate linker sequence to a specific primer.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Poisoning of a catalyst may also result from the poison adversely modifying the electronic properties of the catalyst.

Britannica

Testing concrete admixtures is important to ensure that they have not been adversely modified or altered.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Critical habitat protects species by prohibiting federal agencies from "adversely modifying" -- that is, hurting -- critical habitat for endangered species in actions they fund, permit or carry out.

Huffington Post

The ace-1R allele is known to be the most costly of resistance genes because it interferes with the general functioning of the central nervous system throughout a mosquito's life and adversely modifies behavioural traits [18], [19].

Plosone

Regarding cultural characteristics, Mexico is a country where the diet has been adversely modified recently by the introduction of so − called "fast foods" and the increasing consumption of sugar based beverages.

BMC Medical Ethics

The pneumonia rate did not significantly adversely affect 3 month modified Rankin Scale score (P=0.32).This study demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary safety of combining endovascular hypothermia after stroke with intravenous thrombolysis.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adversely modify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected and the nature of the modification. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "adversely modify" in casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "negatively affect" or "harm" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adversely modify" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action that has a negative impact on something. It indicates that a change or alteration results in undesirable consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adversely modify" is a grammatically correct way to describe a change that has negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase, although it's more formal than alternatives like "negatively affect". While found across various contexts, it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related sources. When using "adversely modify", clarity is key: make sure to specify what is being affected and the nature of the modification. Remember that in informal settings, simpler expressions might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negatively impact

Replaces "adversely modify" with a more common and direct expression of negative effect.

adversely impact

Removes the word "modify" for a shorter phrase that still retains similar meaning

harmfully alter

Substitutes "adversely" with "harmfully" and "modify" with "alter", emphasizing the damaging nature of the change.

detrimentally affect

Uses "detrimentally" to highlight the damaging aspect and "affect" as a more general term for impact.

badly influence

Replaces "modify" with "influence", suggesting a negative impact on the course or condition of something.

unfavorably change

Emphasizes the change as producing an undesirable outcome.

deleteriously transform

Highlights the harmful and transformative nature of the modification.

negatively reshape

Focuses on the negative alteration of the form or structure.

degrade

Use a one-word verb instead of two-word phrase

impair

Focus on impairment by one word instead of using the two-word phrase

FAQs

How can I use "adversely modify" in a sentence?

Use "adversely modify" to describe a change that has a negative impact. For example: "The budget cuts could "adversely modify" the quality of education."

What's a simpler way to say "adversely modify"?

You can use alternatives like "negatively affect", "harmfully alter", or "badly influence" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "adversely affect" or "adversely modify"?

"Adversely affect" is generally more common and widely understood. "Adversely modify" is suitable when specifically discussing a change or alteration that has negative consequences.

When is it appropriate to use "adversely modify" instead of "negatively impact"?

"Adversely modify" is most fitting when the focus is on how a specific change or adjustment "negatively impacts" something. "Negatively impact" is a broader term that can apply to any negative effect.