alter their fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter their fate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to change or influence one's future or destiny. Example: "Through hard work and determination, they believed they could alter their fate and achieve their dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"No act of terrorists will weaken our resolve or alter their fate," he said.

The New York Times

No act of the terrorists will change our purpose, or weaken our resolve, or alter their fate.

The New York Times

Sensing the danger around her, she invents fanciful tales to cheer up the children she is caring for and she firmly believes she can do this to alter their fate, to save them.

The New Yorker

In this Review, we highlight the navigation of nanocarriers through various extra- and intra-cellular barriers, with an emphasis on how dynamic interactions with biological components alter their fate and performance.

Nano Today

The sense, then, is that Kilmarnock are the team who may be unable to alter their fate.

BBC

These data are highly clinically relevant, as they provide leads for doctors on how to advise patients at high genetic risk to alter their fate.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Fig. 3 T cell differentiation is accompanied by metabolic changes, which can be affected by the tumor microenvironment altering their fate and function.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

The absurd part is the characters' lack of love and respect for themselves, especially when it comes to altering their fates.

The New Yorker

It might not have altered their fates.

Los Angeles Times

The Grafted peptides blocked ERα mediated cell proliferation and viability of breast cancer cells but did not alter their apoptotic fate.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

For instance, inorganic nanoparticles are usually consumed as part of a food or meal that contains numerous other components, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, surfactants, minerals, and water, which may alter their gastrointestinal fate.

Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alter their fate", consider the degree of change you want to convey. "Alter" implies a significant but not necessarily complete change. For a more subtle influence, consider "influence their destiny".

Common error

Avoid using "alter their fate" when you mean to suggest complete control. "Alter" implies modifying an existing course, not necessarily dictating it entirely. If total control is intended, consider phrases like "determine their destiny" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter their fate" functions as a verb phrase, where "alter" is the transitive verb and "their fate" is the direct object. It describes the action of changing or influencing someone's destiny. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alter their fate" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression used to describe the action of changing or influencing someone's destiny. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific domains. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, its meaning is clear, suggesting an effort to redirect or modify predetermined events. Alternative phrases such as "change their destiny" or "reshape their future" offer similar connotations. When using "alter their fate", it's crucial to consider the degree of change implied and choose the phrase that best reflects the intended scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change their destiny

Replaces "alter" with "change" and "fate" with "destiny", emphasizing a shift in predetermined events.

reshape their future

Uses "reshape" instead of "alter" and "future" instead of "fate", focusing on a transformation of what lies ahead.

influence their destiny

Substitutes "alter" with "influence", suggesting a more subtle impact rather than a complete change.

affect their outcome

Replaces "fate" with "outcome", presenting a less deterministic view and focusing on the result of events.

determine their course

Uses "determine" to convey a sense of control over the direction their life takes, replacing "fate" with "course".

rewrite their story

Employs a metaphorical expression suggesting a complete transformation of their life narrative.

control their destiny

Focuses on having power over one's fate, replacing "alter" with "control" to emphasize dominance.

reverse their fortunes

Indicates a change from bad luck to good, specifically addressing a reversal of circumstances.

transform their lives

Highlights a significant and comprehensive change in their existence, substituting "fate" with the broader term "lives".

redirect their path

Suggests a change in direction or trajectory, implying a deviation from a previously set course.

FAQs

What does "alter their fate" mean?

The phrase "alter their fate" means to change or influence the course of someone's destiny or future. It suggests the possibility of redirecting or modifying the events that are predetermined or seem inevitable.

What can I say instead of "alter their fate"?

You can use alternatives like "change their destiny", "reshape their future", or "influence their destiny" depending on the context.

Is "alter their fate" formal or informal?

The phrase "alter their fate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing than on the phrase itself.

How does "alter their fate" differ from "accept their fate"?

"Alter their fate" implies taking action to change a predetermined course, while "accept their fate" suggests resigning oneself to the current situation without resistance. The former indicates agency, while the latter implies passivity.