alter the working of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter the working of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes or modifications to a process, system, or mechanism. Example: "The new software update will alter the working of the existing application, improving its overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A small change in this environment has the potential to permanentl y alter the working of genes and therefore the structure and function of the developing system.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

McKee notes that there's evidence suggesting CTE predisposes people to suicide, although how remains unclear; a colleague called it a "chicken and the egg problem," explaining that CTE may cause problems in life that encourage suicides rather than specifically promote suicidal behavior by altering the working of the brain.

Science Magazine

Critics fear that an influx of well-paid workers will alter the character of working-class neighborhoods.

The Washington Post

Under the Supreme Court's precedents, sexual harassment is actionable only if it is "so severe and pervasive as to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working environment," as the court phrased it in a 1998 decision.

The New York Times

We have previously shown that nicotine effectively attenuates the clozapine-induced working memory impairment, but in the current study, nicotine did not significantly alter the effects of pyrilamine on the RAM.

Duke University

Alter the caption: alter the use of these deaths.

The New Yorker

Alter the face of a Rittenhouse clock?

The New York Times

alter the course of trade.

Harvard University

Alter the spellings of words.

WikiHow

Alter the terms of the agreement.

WikiHow

Alter the temperature of the room.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alter the working of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered and the expected outcome. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "alter the working of" in contexts where a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "alter the working of the engine", consider "repair", "replace", or "adjust" depending on the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter the working of" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the modification or changing of a system, process, or mechanism. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alter the working of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe modifications to a system or process's functionality. Ludwig highlights its acceptability in written English. It's found across scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral tone. While not exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica validates its appropriate usage. Remember to ensure clarity in context and avoid overly broad applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modify the operation of

Changes the verb to "modify" and uses "operation" instead of "working", focusing on the act of modifying how something operates.

change the function of

Replaces "working" with "function", which is a more direct synonym in many contexts.

affect the functionality of

Uses "affect" to indicate influence and replaces "working" with "functionality", emphasizing the impact on function.

influence the mechanism of

Focuses on the mechanism rather than the general "working", suggesting a more specific change.

adjust the process of

Emphasizes the adjustment of a process, shifting the focus from the overall function to the steps involved.

reshape the dynamics of

Indicates a more profound change, suggesting a reshaping of the underlying dynamics rather than a simple alteration.

transform the performance of

Suggests a complete transformation of how something performs, indicating a more significant change.

reconfigure the system of

Implies a rearrangement of the system, focusing on the structural changes.

impact the behavior of

Highlights the impact on behavior, suggesting that the changes affect how something acts.

tamper with the functioning of

Suggests an unauthorized or inappropriate alteration to the way something functions.

FAQs

How can I use "alter the working of" in a sentence?

You can use "alter the working of" to describe how something's functionality is modified. For example: "A small change in this environment has the potential to permanently "alter the working of" genes and therefore the structure and function of the developing system."

What's a formal alternative to "alter the working of"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "modify the operation of" or "change the function of" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "change the working of" instead of "alter the working of"?

Yes, "change the working of" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable with ""alter the working of"", although the latter might sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "affect the functionality of" and "alter the working of"?

"Affect the functionality of" suggests an influence or impact, while "alter the working of" implies a direct change or modification to how something operates.