altering the ecosystem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altering the ecosystem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or modifications to the natural environment, often in the context of environmental science or ecology. Example: "Human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, are significantly altering the ecosystem and threatening biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And nearly all agree that we need to move with great deliberation when altering the ecosystem of the ocean.

The New Yorker

The whales feed on toothfish, and fewer sightings suggest that the fishery is already altering the ecosystem.

The New York Times - Science

With time, charcoal pores may fill or charcoal particles may shatter, altering the ecosystem services delivered.

Science of The Total Environment

In particular, they have looked at how invading species can change this balance, sometimes dramatically altering the ecosystem in the process.

MIT Technology Review

White trappers, traders and ranchers poured into the region, clashing with the migratory Paiute and altering the ecosystem by grazing their cattle.

The Washington Post

Many riparian wetlands have been hydrologically disconnected from the Mississippi River by a vast system of levees, altering the ecosystem services provided by these riparian zones.

Ecological Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Climate change threatens Aboriginal traditional use by altering the ecosystems of the vast wetlands of Kakadu and raising temperatures to a level likely to lead to more intense fire regimes," the report said.

The Guardian

"One of the things Hoover set in motion was a change in the character of the world's waterways, permanently altering the ecosystems of entire drainage basins,'' Marq de Villiers wrote in his compelling cultural history, "Water".

The New Yorker

"One of the things Hoover set in motion was a change in the character of the world's waterways, permanently altering the ecosystems of entire drainage basins," Marq de Villiers wrote in his compelling cultural history, "Water".

The New Yorker

Scientists aren't all convinced that dumping iron in the ocean effectively traps carbon — nor are they convinced that irreversibly altering the ecosystems of our oceans is worth the risk.

Vice

And these microbes, which multiply rapidly when they are excreted, alter the ecosystem of the soil.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental changes, use “altering the ecosystem” to highlight the direct impact on the interconnected web of organisms and their environment. This term is particularly useful in scientific and environmental contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Be specific about the cause of the alteration. Instead of simply stating that something is “altering the ecosystem”, explain what actions or factors are responsible for the change to provide a clearer understanding of the ecological impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altering the ecosystem" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English, often discussing changes to the natural environment in environmental science or ecology.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "altering the ecosystem" is a grammatically sound and ecologically relevant term used to describe modifications within a natural environment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Appearing mostly in science, news, and academic contexts, its purpose is to communicate the impact of various factors on ecological balance. While the phrase is correct, being specific about the cause of the alteration enhances clarity and informational value. Alternatives include "modifying the environment" or "impacting the ecosystem". The phrase is more common in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, reinforcing its credibility and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impacting the ecosystem

Uses a more general term 'impacting' to describe the effect.

modifying the environment

Focuses on the broader concept of 'environment' rather than the more specific 'ecosystem'.

influencing the ecological system

Implies a subtle and perhaps indirect effect on the system.

changing the ecological balance

Highlights the disruption of equilibrium within the ecosystem.

affecting ecological processes

Emphasizes the functional changes within the ecosystem.

disrupting the natural habitat

Emphasizes the impact on the living spaces of organisms.

disturbing the ecosystem's stability

Highlights the disruption of the ecosystem's inherent resilience.

transforming the ecosystem

Suggests a more dramatic and complete alteration.

remodeling the habitat

Suggests a conscious or unconscious restructuring of the environment of an organism.

re-shaping the natural world

Focuses on the physical and biological aspects of the natural world.

FAQs

What does "altering the ecosystem" mean?

The phrase "altering the ecosystem" refers to changes or modifications to a natural environment, impacting the relationships between living organisms and their physical surroundings.

How can I use "altering the ecosystem" in a sentence?

You can use "altering the ecosystem" to describe how human activities or natural events are changing the balance and functions of an ecological system. For example: "Deforestation is significantly "altering the ecosystem" and threatening biodiversity".

What are some alternatives to "altering the ecosystem"?

Alternatives include "modifying the environment", "changing the ecological balance", or "impacting the ecosystem". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the impact of "altering the ecosystem"?

The impact of "altering the ecosystem" can range from minor shifts in species distribution to complete ecosystem collapse. It often leads to biodiversity loss, disruption of food chains, and changes in ecosystem services such as water purification and climate regulation.