alter a process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter a process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or modifications made to a specific procedure or method. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to alter a process that has been causing delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The proposals are the latest efforts to alter a process that came under severe criticism after the hot market for new issues in the late 1990's led to prices that rose to great heights, only to collapse after the bubble burst.

The New York Times

Upregulation of the melusin gene may alter a process that is tightly controlled in muscle development, leading to inadequate muscle differentiation and maturation.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though most people these days pick up their antibiotics or diabetes medications from a drugstore, some prescriptions need to be specially mixed or altered — a process called compounding — to suit individual needs.

The New York Times

Perturbing mitochondrial dynamics, such as increased mitochondrial fragmentation (Cui et al, 2006; Reddy et al, 2011) and altering a process of mitophagy (Martin et al, 2015) (Fig 7) along with impairing mitochondrial trafficking and Ca2+ buffering capacity (Choo et al, 2004; Chang et al, 2006; Orr et al, 2008), collectively contribute to the pathology of HD.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

On the one hand, common sense says that It is plain crazy to try to alter a bio logical process that we don't understand completely, especially when that biological process may be connected to the mystery of life itself.

The New York Times

The goal is simple: alter a federal review process riddled with bureaucratic delays.

Forbes

When HDACs alter a histone through a process called deacetylation, chromatin becomes more tightly packaged, making genes in that region less likely to be expressed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We conclude based on the present findings that auditory verbal cues actually alter perceptual processing of the named objects rather than alter a higher level decision process.

Plosone

And how, once established, can life alter a planet, in the process creating physical signals that might be detected?

Harvard University

Deviation from the normal redox state could alter a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, inflammation and apoptosis [ 29].

Bioscience Reports

Among the stunning implications is that intervening in the reconsolidation process can alter a memory and change how it feels.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alter a process", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspects of the process are being changed and the reasons for the alteration.

Common error

Avoid using "alter a process" without specifying the nature and scope of the changes. Be precise about what's being altered to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter a process" functions as a verb phrase where "alter" acts as a transitive verb, taking "a process" as its object. It indicates the action of modifying or changing a specific procedure or method.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alter a process" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, suitable for describing modifications to a specific procedure or method. Ludwig AI indicates it's often used to convey deliberate changes intended to improve effectiveness or adapt to new circumstances. While "alter a process" is appropriate for various contexts, ensuring clarity about the nature and scope of the alteration is crucial. Alternatives like "modify a procedure" or "change a method" may be considered based on the specific nuance desired. The phrase appears in neutral and scientific registers, indicating broad applicability in both formal and informal settings, as evidenced by sources like The New York Times and PlosOne.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify a procedure

This alternative suggests a less drastic change than "alter", implying a more subtle adjustment.

change a method

This option is a more general term, suitable when the specific process is less important than the overall method.

revise a procedure

This suggests a review and correction of an existing procedure, implying improvement.

adjust a system

This alternative is suitable when the "process" is part of a larger system and needs fine-tuning.

reshape a mechanism

This suggests more fundamental change, altering the form or structure of the underlying mechanism.

transform a course of action

This alternative implies a significant change in the direction or approach of an activity.

tweak a workflow

This suggests a minor adjustment, often to improve efficiency or performance, in an informal register.

reengineer a system

This implies a comprehensive overhaul of the entire system.

adapt a methodology

This suggests making changes to suit new conditions or requirements.

overhaul a process

This suggests a complete renovation or major repair of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "alter a process" in a sentence?

You can use "alter a process" to describe modifications or changes made to a procedure or method. For example: "To improve efficiency, we need to "alter a process" that has been causing delays in production".

What are some alternatives to "alter a process"?

Alternatives include "modify a procedure", "change a method", or "revise a procedure", depending on the context and the extent of the change.

Is "alter a process" formal or informal?

"Alter a process" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific situation will dictate the most appropriate choice.

What's the difference between "alter a process" and "change a process"?

While both terms are similar, "alter a process" suggests a more deliberate and potentially significant modification, while "change a process" can imply a broader or more fundamental shift.