be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes or modifications to something, often in a passive construction. Example: "The document must be altered to reflect the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Franchise fates will be altered.

The New York Times

How might they be altered?

The New York Times

Should day makeup be altered for nighttime?

The New York Times

How should a flawed strategy be altered?

The New York Times

Should lending policies therefore be altered?

The Economist

Guard procedures, for example, must be altered.

The New York Times

The existing galleries will not be altered.

The New Yorker

She asked that the costume be altered.

The New York Times

"It can be altered by neglect.

Independent

Rules were meant to be altered.

The New York Times

Iran's course had to be altered.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be altered", consider the degree of change you want to convey. "Altered" suggests a moderate change, so choose a different verb like "transformed" or "modified" if you need a stronger or more precise term.

Common error

While "be altered" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction where appropriate. For example, instead of "The policy will be altered by the committee", try "The committee will alter the policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be altered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something undergoes a process of change. It's commonly used to describe modifications or adjustments made to an object, plan, or system, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be altered" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe modifications or changes. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is high across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, consider the degree of change you wish to express and choose an appropriate alternative if a stronger nuance is needed. Avoiding overuse of the passive voice will ensure clarity and strength in your writing. Alternatives like ""be modified"", ""be changed"", or "be adjusted" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be modified

Focuses on making specific changes or adjustments.

be changed

A more general term for becoming different.

be adjusted

Implies a slight or fine-tuned change.

be transformed

Suggests a significant or dramatic change.

be revised

Focuses on improving or correcting something.

be amended

Refers to formal changes or additions, often in legal or official documents.

be adapted

Highlights making something suitable for a new purpose or condition.

be reformed

Implies a fundamental change to improve a system or institution.

be converted

Suggests changing from one form or function to another.

be redesigned

Implies a complete overhaul of the design or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "be altered" in a sentence?

Use "be altered" to describe something undergoing a change. For example, "The recipe can "be modified" to suit your taste" or "The plans had to "be changed" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "be altered"?

You can use alternatives such as ""be modified"", ""be changed"", "be adjusted", or "be revised", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be altered"?

While "be altered" is in the passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, consider using the active voice for clearer and more direct writing when possible. For instance, "The company altered the strategy" instead of "The strategy will "be altered" by the company".

What is the difference between "be altered" and "be transformed"?

"Be altered" generally suggests a moderate change, while "be transformed" implies a more significant and dramatic change. The choice depends on the extent of the modification you are describing.