alter something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making changes or modifications to an object, idea, or situation. Example: "We need to alter something in the design to improve its functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's difficult to alter something that isn't known.

The New Yorker

Were you hesitant to alter something that's considered such a sacred body of work?

The New York Times

Eleven generations from now, if we alter something and it doesn't work properly we will simply fix it".

The New Yorker

Tim Smith-Laing on translating Valéry and "how it feels to try and alter something so fundamentally while not altering it at all".

The New Yorker

Manchester has a diverse casting policy, so I read the play again and asked if Danforth [who oversees the witch trials], could be a woman?" Refusal was unequivocal: Herold argues that "changing gender seemed to alter something fundamental in the world of the play".

The Guardian

Sure, it may seem a bit counterintuitive to drastically alter something that users seem to have taken a shine to, but some changes to how the app's coupon search feature works helps to take the edge off.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They altered something pretty fundamental and survived with psyche intact.

The Guardian

Pluto's demotion caused such an outcry because it altered something we thought we knew to be true about our world.

The New York Times

She would give birth to a son in less than a year and she'd tell him when he was young (before he became his father, before he became mean, before he drove drunk and ran over a woman waiting to cross the street in the Point) that she believed she was meant to stay in that car, and that by deciding to get out, on a whim, she felt she'd altered something, shaved the corner off an edge in time.

The New York Times - Books

State dependence is the idea that prior victimization predicts future risk because it alters something about the victim.

Crime Science

It's a never-ending cycle of change, this and that, then you are told you could be even more attractive if you altered something else.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alter something", ensure the context makes it clear what the 'something' refers to. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Common error

While "alter" is a perfectly valid word, using it excessively, especially in informal writing, can make your text sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "change" or "modify" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter something" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "alter" is the verb indicating the action of modifying, and "something" is a pronoun serving as the direct object. The phrase is used to express the act of making changes or modifications to an unspecified entity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alter something" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of modifying an unspecified entity. Ludwig indicates that it is indeed usable in written English.

While correct, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "alter something" and more common alternatives like ""change something"" or ""modify something"". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, wiki and science-related content, suggesting a relatively neutral tone, although a more formal choice may be required in specialized situations. When using it, clarity is key: make sure the 'something' is implicitly or explicitly understood to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify something

Replaces "alter" with "modify", suggesting a less drastic change.

change something

Uses the more common verb "change" instead of "alter", making it more accessible.

adjust something

Implies a slight correction or refinement rather than a complete alteration.

revise something

Suggests a more formal and thorough review and alteration.

transform something

Indicates a significant change in form or appearance.

rework something

Implies a process of re-evaluating and altering something, often in a creative context.

adapt something

Focuses on making something suitable for a new purpose or condition.

correct something

Highlights the act of fixing errors or inaccuracies.

improve something

Focuses on making something better than it currently is.

reshape something

Implies changing the form or structure of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "alter something" when you want to express making changes or modifications to an unspecified object, idea, or situation. For example: "We need to "modify something" in the design to improve its functionality."

What's a more common alternative to "alter something"?

A more common alternative is "change something". While "alter" is correct, "change" is often preferred in everyday conversation.

Is "alter something" formal or informal?

"Alter something" is neither strictly formal nor informal. Its register depends on the context, but generally, "change something" might be preferable for informal communication.

Which is correct, "alter something" or "alter anything"?

"Alter something" is typically used when referring to a specific, though perhaps not explicitly stated, thing. "Alter anything" is broader, suggesting a willingness to change whatever is presented.