be altered by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be altered by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is subject to change or modification by a specific agent or factor. Example: "The final design of the product may be altered by a change in customer feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not so special that their status couldn't be altered by a significant enough event.

The Economist

But transplants carry high morbidity and mortality and it had become apparent with time that this patient's trajectory would not be altered by a transplant.

The Guardian - Opinion

He goes on to use the so-called double-slit experiment as proof that the behaviour of a particle can be altered by a person's perception of it.

Independent

But then again, the Okun pattern can be altered by a host of factors, from women joining the paid work force to productivity rising.

The New York Times

Such a prize will never be altered by a tailor to fit a living person; a living person will never enter the flat to breath germs on the precious dress.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She shared the views of the scientists already in the late '90s that there is a strong man-made cause and that it can also be altered by a change in human behavior".

The New York Times

But even more troubling, experts say, are factors that go beyond simply a wealth of job options, and they are forces that will not necessarily be altered by a slowing of the economy, even a recession.

The New York Times

Dr. Kristy Arbogast, engineering core director for the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the study's principal investigator, said bioengineers considered how the effectiveness of the devices could be altered by a child's posture, how much the child moves, liquid spills and electronic interference.

The New York Times

Perceptions can be altered by a number of things - not least the commentary during a game.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Indeed, drug concentrations in critically ill ECMO patients might be altered by an increase in drug volume of distribution or alteration in drug elimination.

Critical Care

It could also be altered by an increase in non-diversifiable risk.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be altered by a", ensure the agent or factor causing the alteration is clearly specified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be altered by a" without specifying what is causing the change; this can leave the statement weak and uninformative. Always clarify the agent or factor responsible for the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be altered by a" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject undergoes a change due to an external factor or agent. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where various factors influence or modify different subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be altered by a" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate that a subject undergoes modification or change due to an external influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including scientific, news, and general writing. Usage patterns show its prevalence in science and news reporting, underlining its relevance across diverse fields. When employing "be altered by a", clarity is key: always specify the agent or factor causing the alteration to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""be modified by a"" or ""be affected by a"" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be modified by a

Replaces "altered" with a synonym, focusing on making changes or adjustments.

be changed by a

Uses a more general term "changed" instead of "altered", indicating a transformation.

be affected by a

Shifts the focus to the impact or influence rather than direct alteration.

be influenced by a

Highlights the role of something shaping or guiding the outcome.

be transformed by a

Suggests a more profound or dramatic change than a simple alteration.

be impacted by a

Similar to 'affected', but often used to describe a forceful or significant effect.

be adjusted by a

Focuses on fine-tuning or calibration rather than a complete change.

be revised by a

Implies a review and subsequent modification to improve accuracy or effectiveness.

be corrected by a

Highlights the removal of errors or inaccuracies through modification.

be updated by a

Indicates bringing something to a more current or modern state.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "be altered by a" in a sentence?

Use "be altered by a" when you want to clearly indicate that something undergoes a change due to a specific factor or influence. For instance, "The recipe can "be modified by a" change in ingredients".

Are there formal alternatives to "be altered by a"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "be influenced by a", "be affected by a", or "be impacted by a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "be altered by a" differ from "be changed by a"?

While both indicate a transformation, "be altered by a" often suggests a more subtle or specific modification, whereas "be changed by a" implies a more general transformation.

Can "be altered by a" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "be altered by a" is suitable for scientific writing, especially when describing how variables or conditions can affect experimental outcomes. For example, "The results may "be affected by a" change in temperature".