alterations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alterations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean a change or a modification. For example: "My friend had to make several alterations to her dress before the formal event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Virtually any experience reading the morning paper, divorcing your husband will alter the physical structure of your brain, because such physical alterations, in the form of creating or pruning connections between neurons, are how the brain learns.

The Economist

I said, 'Look, I'll have a look at it.' " Brown said he may have given instructions for the minute to be changed and conceded he made alterations himself.

The Guardian

The original misattributed words spoken by Laurie Brown to Phillip Costa and mistakenly said Costa said he may have given instructions for the cabinet minute to be changed and admitted making alterations.

The Guardian

Speaking for the first time since taking on the job, Morgan revealed that any alterations to England's style would be more cosmetic than reconstructive.

The Guardian - Sport

When you buy a sari you usually have to do the alterations yourself, so I decided to do it now.

The Guardian

A spokesperson said: "We expect there to be some delays, cancellations and short notice alterations for this evening's peak as there will be some trains and train crews out of place".

The Guardian

The only consolation is that the minister rejected English Heritage advice that it deserved Grade II* listing and placed it in the lowest Grade II category – which in theory could make it easier to win listed building consent for future alterations.

The Guardian - Arts

Yeovil's manager, Gary Johnson, was outraged by his team's performance in a 5-1 demolition by Huddersfield last time out and vowed to make major alterations to his line-up for the New Year's Day clash with Watford, which was ultimately postponed because Huish Park was waterlogged.

The Guardian - Sport

On Saturday night, I went out with some friends, wearing my new hipsters and top, bought that day and no alterations necessary.

The Guardian - Travel

Hong Kong hints · In the event that you fall in love with something that doesn't fit, many shops offer free, or very cheap, instore alterations.

The Guardian - Travel

Ciampolillo's solicitor, Giles McCourt, said that building alterations would be carried out before a renewed application was put in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes to garments or textiles, use "alterations". For more general modifications, "changes" or "modifications" are often suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "alteration" when referring to multiple changes. "Alterations" is the plural form and should be used when discussing more than one change.

Linguistic Context

The word "alterations" functions primarily as a plural noun. It denotes multiple changes or modifications made to something. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage, mainly in news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "alterations" is a plural noun that signifies changes or modifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While "alterations" is a versatile term, it's crucial to use it in its plural form when referring to multiple changes. Using more specific synonyms like "modifications" or "adjustments" can add precision to your writing. When referring to a single modification, using "alteration" is correct. Overall, this term is widely accepted and applicable in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifications

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of changing something.

changes

A broad term for any act or process of becoming different.

adjustments

Implies small or fine-tuned changes to achieve a better fit or result.

revisions

Suggests changes made after a review, often to correct or improve something.

amendments

Formal changes, often in legal or official documents.

improvements

Changes made with the intention of making something better.

transformations

Indicates a significant and dramatic change in form or appearance.

variations

Differences from a standard or norm.

reworkings

Suggests a thorough and often creative modification.

conversions

Changing from one form or function to another.

FAQs

How to use "alterations" in a sentence?

"Alterations" refers to changes or modifications, and it's often used to describe adjustments made to something. For example, "The tailor made several alterations to the suit to ensure a perfect fit."

What can I say instead of "alterations"?

You can use alternatives such as "modifications", "adjustments", "revisions", or "changes" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "alterations" or "alteration" when referring to multiple changes?

"Alterations" is correct when referring to multiple changes. "Alteration" is the singular form and should be used only when referring to a single change.

What's the difference between "alterations" and "improvements"?

"Alterations" refers to any kind of changes, while "improvements" specifically indicates changes made to make something better. Not all alterations are improvements.