altering

USAGE SUMMARY

'altering' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to changing or modifying something. For example: "We are altering our plans for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Brown repeatedly said he did not recall specifics about altering the cabinet minute or who instructed him to change it.

The Guardian

So they are ultimately altering the persona of him after his death and associating him with a product that, in life, he stayed away from.

The Guardian

We're changing the way the world thinks about fossil fuels, we're altering the way the world thinks about the companies that profit from them.

The Guardian

The late Tim Hetherington had a theory that men behave in war by emulating men seen in other films and photographs, endlessly altering the behavior of soldiers and the concept of soldiering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Altering the law without proper public debate, he said, risked "building up unnecessary mistrust".

The Guardian

It contends there is no way doctors can continue to provide the dilation and evacuation procedure, and still comply with the new law, without altering their practice in a way that increases the complexity and risk of the abortion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Climate scientists dismiss such theories and evidence such as the long list of patents for climate-altering tools tends to demonstrate the boundless scope of the human imagination rather than the more limited reach of operational technology.

The Guardian

He stopped drinking aged 42 and once called his "unhealthy relationship with mood-altering chemicals, liquids and otherwise" the "central fact" of his life.

The Guardian - Film

Two players compete in the game displayed on a huge screen, while 10 others control and customise the experience by pressing game-altering buttons and switches and even scanning in their original drawings, which then appear as enemies in the game.

The Guardian - Travel

Despite western sanctions, the sliding rouble and collapsing oil prices, analysts say it is unlikely that Russia faces a 1998-style default or a life-altering crisis.

The Guardian

So studying, say, the effect of ecstasy on mood is made more difficult if ecstasy users have also taken other mood-altering substances like cannabis or alcohol during the evening.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "altering", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being changed and the nature of the change. For instance, specify whether you are "altering" a plan, a policy, or a design.

Common error

Avoid using "altering" without specifying what is being changed. Instead of saying "We are altering things", clarify with "We are altering the budget" or "We are altering our strategy."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "altering" is a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form of the verb "alter". It functions to describe an ongoing process of change or modification. Ludwig AI provides various examples where "altering" is used to indicate a current action of changing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altering" functions as a verb describing the act of making changes, with a neutral register appropriate for diverse contexts from news to scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While frequently found in News & Media, it maintains relevance across Formal & Business and Scientific domains. When using "altering", ensure clarity by specifying the subject being changed and the nature of the alteration. Avoid vagueness to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifying

Focuses on making specific changes or adjustments to something.

changing

A general term for making something different.

adjusting

Implies making smaller, more precise changes.

revising

Suggests a more thorough review and alteration.

transforming

Indicates a significant change in form or appearance.

converting

Implies changing something into a different form or substance.

adapting

Highlights the process of making something suitable for a new purpose or condition.

reworking

Emphasizes the process of improving something through alteration.

remaking

Suggests creating something new from existing parts.

reshaping

Focuses on changing the form or structure of something.

FAQs

How can I use "altering" in a sentence?

"Altering" is often used to describe the act of making changes or modifications to something. For example, "The company is "altering its strategy" to better compete in the market".

What are some synonyms for "altering"?

Alternatives to "altering" include "modifying", "changing", "adjusting", and "revising". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the change being made.

When is it appropriate to use "altering" instead of "changing"?

"Altering" implies a more deliberate or significant change than simply "changing". Use "altering" when emphasizing the process and effect of the change, such as "altering the course of history".

What is the difference between "altering" and "transforming"?

"Altering" generally refers to making incremental or partial changes, whereas "transforming" implies a more complete or radical change. For example, "transforming the landscape" suggests a more dramatic change than "altering the landscape".