alters

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alters" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as both a verb and a noun. Verb: The weather alters drastically throughout the day. Noun: The alterations to the building were significant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look ahead demands such concentration that, some cubers say, it alters their perception of time.

The Guardian - Tech

But Turner was a fantastically popular lead actor, and his departure fundamentally alters the show's DNA.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When it's forced to operate in a different state on a regular basis, it permanently alters itself.

The Guardian

The switch in default rules alters behaviour while preserving freedom of choice.

The Economist

But it is also quite rational for investors to trade if their view of the economic outlook alters.

The Economist

It alters almost everything managers do, from finding suppliers to co-ordinating projects to collecting and managing customer data.

The Economist

They are also being considered for use in memory chips, because the switch between amorphous and crystalline states alters their electrical properties in ways that can store electronic bits of data.

The Economist

But it would be a calamity if rows about the environmental effects of fish farming prevented the development of a new industry, with the potential to supply most of the world's fish.All farming alters, and sometimes damages, the environment.

The Economist

Son-preference damages maternal health, makes marriage trickier for women, increases polygamy and alters the institution of child-fostering, which is widespread in west Africa.In this section When and how will it end?

The Economist

For even if the flab obstinately stays on, it appears that exercise alters the way in which fat cells work, presumably for the better.

The Economist

As the quantities increase, the way things mix and react alters a lot.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alters", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being changed and the nature of the change. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "alters" with vague or undefined subjects. Always specify what is being altered to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "alters" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that something causes a change or modification. This is consistent with Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "alters" is a third-person singular verb used to describe how something causes change or modification. As shown by Ludwig, it functions correctly in various sentences and is commonly used in journalistic and reporting contexts. Its function is to describe how a subject modifies an object, maintaining a neutral register. While "alters" is effective, consider alternatives like "modifies" or "changes" for slight variations in emphasis, as these alternatives can enhance clarity and precision depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifies

Implies a change, often with a specific purpose or direction.

changes

A general term for making something different.

transforms

Suggests a significant or dramatic change in form or appearance.

revises

Indicates a change made to correct or improve something.

adjusts

Implies making small changes to achieve a desired outcome.

converts

Suggests changing something into a different form or substance.

reshapes

Implies changing the form or structure of something.

adapts

Suggests modifying something to suit new conditions or purposes.

remodels

Implies changing the structure or design of something.

varies

Suggests introducing differences or alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "alters" in a sentence?

You can use "alters" to indicate a change or modification. For example, "The new software "alters" the way data is processed."

What are some alternatives to using "alters"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "modifies", "changes", or "transforms" instead of "alters".

Which is correct, "alters" or "changes"?

Both "alters" and "changes" are correct, but ""alters"" often implies a more specific or impactful modification than "changes".

What's the difference between "alters" and "adjusts"?

"Alters" generally means to change something, while "adjusts" means to make small changes to achieve a desired state. The degree of change implied is different.