altering document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altering document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of changing or modifying a document in some way. Example: "The team is responsible for altering the document to reflect the latest changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Such ruses include altering documents related to the cargo's country of origin or presenting undervalued invoices.

The New York Times

The law also brings in new penalties for corporate fraud and prison terms of up to 20 years for destroying or altering documents sought in federal investigations.

The Economist

But the foreclosure ended up among 1,700 temporarily halted in Chicago when the lawyers for the bank admitted to altering documents.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was worried, she said, that she could not get through the day without crying, after the jury found Andersen guilty of obstruction of justice for altering documents related to Enron.

The New York Times

In Portland next week, the Beavers, the Class AAA affiliate of the San Diego Padres, will sponsor "Arthur Andersen Appreciation Night" to poke fun at the accounting firm convicted of obstruction of justice last month for shredding and altering documents related to an investigation into energy trading company Enron's complex accounting practices.

The New York Times - Sports

In this job, there are handwriting comparisons, signature comparisons, questionable cheques, altered documents.

The Guardian

Fales Trucking admitted making false trucking tickets and dump receipts, using typewriter correction fluid to alter documents, prosecutors said.

The New York Times

Treacher had deliberately altered documents on seven occasions and used them to justify positions he had misvalued, the regulator said.

The Guardian - Business

At least eight Medicare contractors have paid more than $275 million to the government to settle charges that they made improper payments, altered documents, hid files and backdated records.

The New York Times

But after Enron dismissed the firm's advice, Mr. Criner said, "then Arthur Andersen went along to change things, to alter documents".

The New York Times

The Securities and Exchange Commission ordered the regulator on Thursday to overhaul its internal controls after a Finra official in Kansas City, Mo., altered documents amid an S.E.C. inspection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or official contexts, use "altering document" to specifically highlight unauthorized or illegal modifications. This provides a clear signal of potential wrongdoing.

Common error

Avoid using "altering" when a neutral term like "modifying" or "changing" would be more appropriate. "Altering" often carries a connotation of unauthorized or deceptive behavior, so use it judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altering document" typically functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, reflecting a general acceptance of the phrase in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "altering document" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of changing a document, but often carries a negative connotation. Ludwig AI validates its usability in standard English. Due to its frequent use in news, formal business, and even scientific contexts, it's essential to understand when to use it and when to opt for more neutral alternatives like "modifying" or "changing" a document. When aiming for clarity and neutrality, especially when discussing standard revision processes, these alternative options may serve a better purpose. The choice depends heavily on the context and the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifying document

This alternative uses a different verb with a similar meaning to "altering", maintaining the same grammatical structure.

changing document

This uses a more general verb for modification, suitable for most contexts where "altering" is used.

editing document

Implies a more careful or precise kind of modification, often related to corrections or improvements.

revising document

Suggests a review and modification process, often to update or improve the content.

amending document

Specifically refers to making formal changes, often in legal or official contexts.

adjusting document

Implies making small changes to improve the document's suitability for a purpose.

updating document

Focuses on bringing the document to a more current state.

correcting document

Highlights the removal of errors or inaccuracies within the document.

manipulating document

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting dishonest or deceptive alteration.

falsifying document

Implies making untrue or misleading changes to the document, often illegal.

FAQs

What are common synonyms for "altering document"?

Common synonyms include "modifying document", "changing document", and "editing document", each carrying slightly different connotations.

In what context is it appropriate to use "altering document"?

It is most appropriate to use "altering document" when discussing unauthorized or illegal modifications, or when there's a potential implication of wrongdoing. In neutral contexts, consider alternatives like "updating document" or "revising document".

Does "altering document" always imply something negative?

Yes, the phrase "altering document" often carries a negative connotation, implying unauthorized or deceptive changes. If no such implication is intended, use a more neutral term like "adjusting document".

What's the legal implication of "altering document"?

Legally, "altering document" can suggest fraud, obstruction of justice, or other illegal activities. Specific statutes and case law will determine the penalties. In legal contexts, be clear whether you mean altering, "falsifying document" or "manipulating document" because each of those may have different penalizations.