alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a change or modification made to something, such as a document, design, or plan. Example: "The alteration to the original contract was necessary to reflect the new terms agreed upon by both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resulting glowing prairie voles were evidence that the embryos had indeed been altered, and that the alteration had been transmitted to every cell in the vole's body, including its sex cells.

The Economist

Hence the two most effective and authoritative institutions in the international system do not impose duties at all in many cases, they exercise a moral power to alter the moral situation of states but the alteration is from duty to permission in many cases.

SEP

[ORIGIN 1990s: probably an alteration of WORK.] Twerk seems to have arisen in the early 1990s, in the context of the bounce music scene in New Orleans.

The Guardian - Books

The panel can recommend a range of remedies, including corrections, alteration or removal of content, deletion, apologies or providing a right of reply ("the recommendation").

The Guardian

By making this simple, and low budget, alteration to the images that young women see when they're surfing for careers after finishing school, Sellafield has bucked the trend in a big way.

The Guardian

Addressing the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which deals with complaints about the intelligence services and surveillance, lawyers for Privacy International said they had only been informed of the alteration earlier this week.

The Guardian

The most likely theory about the origin of this word is that it is an alteration of work, because that word has a history of being used in similar ways, with dancers being encouraged to "work it".

The Guardian - Books

Repairs go without saying, and a little alteration can upgrade an item's fashion rating no end.

The Guardian

But Daldry's announcement is a sign that a growing number of gay men see their sexuality as a short-term option, forever subject to alteration according to whim, age or social position.

The Guardian - Film

To some, touching the hallowed concrete landscape – a site of pilgrimage for skateboarders and brutalist fans – was heresy, with any suggestion of alteration to be dismissed outright.

The Guardian - Arts

Importantly, it covers not just old-fashioned coups, but "an unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional regime" of the kind perpetrated by Alberto Fujimori when he shut down Peru's Congress in 1992.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal documents or legal agreements, use "alteration" to emphasize a specific change that has been officially made. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "change" or "modification".

Common error

Avoid using "alteration" when you mean "alternation". "Alteration" refers to a change, while "alternation" refers to a recurring sequence or pattern. For example, don't say "the alternation to the schedule" when you mean "the alteration to the schedule".

Linguistic Context

The word "alteration" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act, process, or result of changing something. Ludwig confirms that it's used to denote a modification or change made to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alteration" is a versatile noun used to describe the act or result of changing something. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It serves the communicative purpose of indicating a modification or change, and while it can be used in various registers it's mostly present in neutral environments like news, science, encyclopedias and business. When choosing alternatives, consider synonyms like "modification", "change", or "adjustment", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modification

Focuses on a change that improves or adjusts something.

change

A general term for making something different.

adjustment

Implies a fine-tuning or correction.

revision

Suggests a thorough review and correction.

adaptation

Focuses on adjusting to new conditions.

transformation

Indicates a significant and dramatic change.

conversion

Highlights a change in form or function.

reconfiguration

Implies rearranging parts or elements.

remodeling

Suggests a structural or aesthetic change.

restructuring

Focuses on reorganizing a system or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "alteration" in a sentence?

The word "alteration" is a noun that means the act or process of changing something. For example: "The contract required an "amendment" after the "alteration" to the original agreement."

What is a good substitute for the word "alteration"?

Good substitutes for "alteration" include "modification", "change", "adjustment", or "revision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "alteration in" or "alteration of"?

Both "alteration in" and "alteration of" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Alteration in" is typically used to indicate a change within something, while "alteration of" refers to a change to something's form or nature. For example, "an alteration in policy" vs. "an alteration of the document".

What's the difference between "alteration" and "alternation"?

"Alteration" refers to the process of making something different or changed, while "alternation" describes a situation of recurring back and forth between two or more things. For example, "The dress needed an "alteration"" versus "the "alternation" of day and night".