alter by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes made to something, specifying the means or method of alteration. Example: "The final design will alter by incorporating feedback from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

If I pressed further, this or that element might alter by another degree or two.

The New Yorker

Besides, the obtained HOMO-LUMO gap and electrophilicity values for these structures alter by ozone addition.

Vacuum

And the third boy whispered, "Thank you," but his mouth barely fluttered, so that he did not alter by more than a lip's movement his posture of attention.

The New Yorker

Carroll's mooted return looks a non-starter – (although Ashley's ability to hold his nerve in a game of brinkmanship with Liverpool suggests that could yet alter by 1 September) – and there are those who feel that may be no bad thing.

The Guardian - Sport

On that occasion I authorized Mr. Dulles to state that, given a solution of the other related problems, I would recommend that the United States join in formal treaty engagements to prevent or thwart any effort by either side to alter by force the boundaries between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Yale University

But I want to, right now, set aside what is, I think a legitimate ground for challenging some of what Aristotle's saying, and focus instead on what I think is true about what he goes on to remark, which is, that it is impossible to alter by argument what has long been absorbed as the result of one's habits.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The company's business is extensive and complex and considerations of convenience may have suggested delegation to directors of authority to make and alter by-laws.

Cornell University

St. N.J. 1910, p. 1606, § 11), provides: 'The power to make and alter by-laws shall be in the stockholders, but any corporation may, in the certificate of incorporation, confer that power upon the directors; by-laws made by the directors under power so conferred may be altered or repealed by the stockholders.' The charter empowers the directors to make and alter by-laws.

Cornell University

The Prudential Committee shall have all the powers of the Corporation except the power to award degrees, the power to alter By-Laws, and the power to appoint Permanent Officers (as defined in By-Law 35 hereof) except in an emergency and with the written consent of a majority of the Corporation or to fix the salary of such officials except in the form of special arrangements for a single year.

Yale University

"It can be altered by neglect.

Independent

Patrick Cariou photograph, as altered by Richard Prince.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alter by", ensure that the method or cause of the alteration is clearly stated to provide context and clarity. For example: 'The results may "alter by" adding more noise to the signal.'

Common error

Avoid using "alter by" without specifying the agent or method of alteration. Saying 'The data may alter' lacks clarity; instead, specify how the data might change: 'The data may "alter by" incorporating new variables'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter by" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of modification or change caused by a specific action or influence. Ludwig examples show usage in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alter by" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate a process of modification or change caused by a specific action or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples, predominantly from scientific and academic sources. While not exceedingly common, it is a useful phrase for describing causal relationships in a precise and formal manner. When employing "alter by", clarity is key; ensure the method or cause of alteration is explicitly stated. Alternatives such as "modify through" or "change via" can offer similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify through

Focuses on the method used for modification.

change via

Highlights the means by which a change is enacted.

transform using

Emphasizes a more significant change or conversion.

adjust by means of

Implies a precise adjustment made through specific tools or processes.

revise with

Suggests a careful review and modification process.

shift through

Describes a gradual change influenced by something.

adapt via

Implies a change to suit new conditions.

influence through

Highlights the impact on something that produces change.

convert by

Focuses on changing something into a different form.

reshape through

Suggests a significant alteration of form or structure.

FAQs

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

Use "alter by" to indicate a change caused by a specific action or influence. For example, 'The plan may "alter by" including feedback from stakeholders'.

What's a good substitute for "alter by"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "modify through", "change via", or "transform using".

Is it more formal to say "alter by" or "change by"?

"Alter by" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "change by", making it suitable for academic or professional writing.

How does "alter by" differ from "altered by"?

"Alter by" is an active construction indicating a potential change, while "altered by" is a passive construction describing a completed change. For instance, 'The results may "alter by" adding more data' versus 'The results were "altered by" new findings'.