by altering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by altering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a method or process of change or modification. Example: "The results can be improved by altering the parameters of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We remedy it by altering the above function as f(n, x) = x*n.

Security Informatics

The object is to change one word into another by altering one letter at a time.

The New Yorker

Or attempt to expand human consciousness by altering classic movies.

The New York Times - Books

Birth control pills work by altering a woman's hormone levels.

The New York Times - Health

He understood that he would have to honor the source by altering it.

The New York Times - Arts

By altering her shot selection, Henin prevented Yan from finding a rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

Different colors and greater efficiency are created by altering the composition of the material.

The New York Times - Tech

Several towns are accommodating them by altering zoning bylaws and adding or upgrading services.

The New York Times

Change could be driven by altering the requirements for police recruits, he said.

The Guardian

Disney is banking on the idea by altering its marketing to fit the mood.

The New York Times

They remove the grenades and neutralize them by altering them mechanically.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by altering", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered and the intended result of that alteration. This improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by altering" without specifying what exactly is being altered. Vague references can confuse the reader. Be specific about the subject of the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by altering" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a means or method. It specifies how an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by altering" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the method or process of change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields, particularly science and news. While alternatives like "by changing" and "by modifying" exist, "by altering" maintains a slightly more formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being altered and the intended outcome. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "by altering" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by modifying

Directly replaces "altering" with its synonym "modifying".

by changing

Uses a more common and general synonym for "altering".

through modifying

Focuses on the action of modifying as the means to achieve a result, similar to altering.

via changing

Emphasizes the pathway or means of changing something to achieve an outcome.

by adjusting

Focuses on making small changes to achieve a desired state.

via adjustment

Highlights the process of making small changes for improvement.

via adapting

Emphasizes the process of adapting something to fit new conditions.

through amendment

Suggests a more formal or structured process of change.

through revision

Suggests a formal process of reviewing and changing something.

through transformation

Indicates a more significant or fundamental change.

FAQs

How can I use "by altering" in a sentence?

You can use "by altering" to describe how something is changed to achieve a particular outcome. For example, "The engine's performance was improved "by altering" the fuel mixture."

What are some alternatives to "by altering"?

Some alternatives to "by altering" include "by modifying", "by changing", or "through modification", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "by altering" or "by changing"?

"By altering" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "by changing", although both are widely acceptable. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

How does "by altering" differ from "by substituting"?

"By altering" implies a modification or adjustment to something, while "by substituting" means replacing one thing with another. They describe different types of actions.