alters between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alters between" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when discussing variations or changes that occur among different options or states. Example: "The temperature alters between hot and cold throughout the day."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The initial concentration in the inlet mixture of CO and NO is varied between 0 and 170 ppm, while that of CH2O alters between 0 and 1400 ppm.

Combustion and Flame

Live chicken necks are gently snapped in offering and women chant while spitting the local brew pox, a potent alcohol made from fermenting corn over small alters between the soul-cleansing burping.

BBC

Second, the results suggest that starling's olfactory system distinguishes odours on the basis of presynaptic inhibition and that this mechanism alters between seasons.

Plosone

The frequency of the idiopathic scoliosis alters between 11.9 and 16.2%.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The visual environment alters between light and dark during red light exposure, and the image on the retina is constantly changing from clear to blurred.

BioMed Research International

Importantly, almost all lysines (K) are conserved in the reconstructed ancestral H3 sequences, with the notable deviation of K54 from euglenozoa and excavates, which alters between K and R (arginine) in chromists and plants and has evolved to R54 in opisthokonts and amoebozoa.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Add in the twist of dating formats altering between generations, and you have a guaranteed reaction of incomprehension topped with hypocrisy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The organorod surface is altered between hydrophilic and highly-hydrophobic.

Current Applied Physics

And overall excess air ratio altered between 1.5 and 13 covering very extensive operating conditions.

International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

During recent years, various experimental data suggested that the functional state of the migraineur's brain is altered between attacks.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

These parameters were fixed for both HV and COPD with only VA and VB being altered between the groups.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alters between", ensure that the context clearly indicates two or more distinct states or values that are being switched among. Avoid using it when a gradual change or a continuous range is meant; in those scenarios, consider alternatives like "varies between" or "ranges from".

Common error

A common mistake is using "alters between" when describing a continuous spectrum rather than distinct states. For example, instead of saying 'The color alters between light and dark gradually', which implies distinct changes, use 'The color varies between light and dark gradually' to better convey the continuous shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alters between" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a change or fluctuation between two or more states. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing how conditions, concentrations, or properties change over time or in different contexts. This expression implies a dynamic shift.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alters between" is used to describe a change or fluctuation between distinct states or conditions. Although Ludwig AI acknowledges that the phrase is grammatically acceptable, it is considered an uncommon expression. Its main function is to indicate a dynamic transition, mostly found in scientific and news contexts. When writing, ensure that the context involves distinct states rather than continuous variations, and consider alternatives such as "varies between" for improved clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varies from

Changes the verb to 'varies' indicating a range rather than a switch. Replaces 'between' with 'from'.

fluctuates between

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of the change.

oscillates between

Suggests a rhythmic or cyclical pattern of change.

ranges from

Focuses on the spectrum of possible values or states.

shifts between

Highlights a distinct change in state or condition.

changes from

Indicates a transition or transformation from one state to another. Replaces 'between' with 'from'.

alternates between

Highlights a regular pattern of switching.

moves between

Suggests movement across different states.

switches between

Implies a clear and immediate change.

diverges from

Highlights a deviation or departure from a norm. Replaces 'between' with 'from'.

FAQs

How can I use "alters between" in a sentence?

Use "alters between" to describe something that switches back and forth between two or more distinct states or conditions. For example, 'The visual environment "alters between" light and dark during red light exposure'.

What are some alternatives to "alters between"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "varies between", "fluctuates between", or "oscillates between" to express a similar idea of change or variation.

Is "alters between" formal or informal?

"Alters between" is neither highly formal nor strictly informal; it is suitable for various contexts, including scientific and technical writing. However, be mindful that less common synonyms like "alternates between" can improve sentence structure and clarity.

When should I not use "alters between"?

Avoid using "alters between" when describing a gradual or continuous change. In such cases, using phrases like "ranges from" or "varies from" would be more appropriate.