alter a verdict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter a verdict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts when discussing the modification or change of a court's decision or judgment. Example: "The appellate court has the authority to alter a verdict if it finds that the original trial was flawed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And no court should be forced to alter a verdict because of popular pressure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alter a recipe.

WikiHow

Alter a t-shirt.

WikiHow

Alter a cheaper dress.

WikiHow

Alter a hoodie.

WikiHow

Alter a pair of jeans.

WikiHow

alter an already popular joke.

WikiHow

England did so and Dar had to alter his verdict.

Independent

They can't alter the verdict of the OPCW or the results of the MH17 investigation, but they can persuade people not to take them seriously.

The Washington Post

2 … as have those of Arsenal's post-RVP renaissance Plenty wrote off Arsenal's chances of scoring enough goals this season, with just as many willing to alter that verdict after their first seven League outings brought 13 of them.

Independent

Excluding the study by Zabalou et al. [19] would not substantially alter the verdict concerning either of the two models.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives such as "modify a judgment" or "revise a decision" if they fit the situation better, as they offer subtle differences in meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "alter a verdict" in contexts unrelated to law or formal judgments. This phrase carries a specific legal connotation and can sound awkward or inappropriate if used metaphorically or in general discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter a verdict" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken upon a legal decision. It describes the act of modifying or changing the outcome of a trial or judgment. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alter a verdict" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies modifying or changing a legal judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, wiki and science-related contexts. While less frequent, its formal tone makes it suitable for legal discussions and academic writing. Alternatives such as "modify a judgment" or "revise a decision" may be used depending on the specific nuance required. Avoid using it in non-legal contexts to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify a judgment

This phrase is a direct synonym, replacing 'verdict' with 'judgment'.

revise a decision

This alternative focuses on the act of 'revising' a 'decision', indicating a formal change.

overturn a ruling

This suggests a complete reversal of the original 'ruling'.

amend a sentence

This applies specifically to changing the 'sentence' given in a legal case.

adjust the outcome

This is a more general phrase, referring to the 'outcome' of a trial or legal process.

change the finding

Focuses on altering the 'finding' or conclusion of a legal proceeding.

reverse the conviction

This specifically refers to reversing a 'conviction'.

vacate the judgment

This means to cancel or invalidate the 'judgment'.

rescind the decision

Focuses on the act of officially revoking or cancelling a decision.

repeal the sentence

Indicates a formal cancellation of the sentence.

FAQs

What does "alter a verdict" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "alter a verdict" signifies modifying or changing the decision made by a jury or judge in a court case. This can occur through appeals or post-trial motions.

When might a court "alter a verdict"?

A court might "alter a verdict" if there's evidence of legal errors, misconduct, or new information that could change the outcome of the case. Appellate courts also have the power to do so.

What are some alternatives to "alter a verdict"?

You can use alternatives like "modify a judgment", "revise a decision", or "overturn a ruling", depending on the specific context and the extent of the change.

How is "alter a verdict" different from "overturn a verdict"?

"Alter a verdict" suggests a partial change or modification, while "overturn a ruling" implies a complete reversal of the original decision. The former is a less drastic measure than the latter.