can alter from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can alter from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something can change or vary from one state or condition to another. Example: "The results of the experiment can alter from one trial to the next, depending on the variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There are a ton of different things you can alter from here.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is one of those unusual features of international football that, because of the few games played relative to club football, circumstances can alter dramatically from one match to the next.

Independent

Moreover, widespread use of surgery can alter obesity from being a typically "medical disease" to become a "surgical disease".

BMC Medical Ethics

For the first time since 1998, the Pacific is shifting into a warm phase, El Niño, that can alter weather patterns from Asia to the Americas, federal climatologists said.

The New York Times

Trauma from falling objects, stubbing injuries, athletic wear and tear, and poorly fitting shoes can alter the cells from which the nails grow, Dr. Bar-David said, and repetitive incidents or one severe episode can thicken or disfigure the nail plate.

The New York Times - Science

This is particularly the case in urban habitats where the disturbed environment can alter natural behavior from that in undisturbed habitats.

Behavioral Ecology

There is evidence that each of these elements of the inflammatory response can alter BBB function from studies in ICH (see below) and other neurological conditions [ 50].

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Bezoar formation within the bile duct should be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis, which can alter treatment modalities from surgery to less invasive methods such as more intra-ERCP efforts.

BMC Gastroenterology

Exercise treatments can alter sensory input from the periphery by modification of muscle control (ie, muscle coordination and strength) and through improved proprioception to enhance control of the affected joint, thus reducing nociceptor discharge and enhancing normal sensory input.

BMJ Open

The present study aims to quantitatively demonstrate how observational data can alter the findings derived from synthesised evidence from RCTs by using a Bayesian approach.

BMJ Open

As an example of how IE measurements can alter the conclusions drawn from an experiment, Glut2 and proinsulin levels were measured from small and large islets and the data were normalized using the traditional IE [ 4, 5] and our cell-based method.

Acta Diabetologica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can alter from", ensure the sentence clearly specifies both the initial state and the resulting state after the alteration. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can alter from" without clearly stating what is being altered and what it is being altered from. For example, instead of saying "the treatment can alter", specify "the treatment can alter the patient's condition from critical to stable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can alter from" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the potential or ability of something to undergo a change from one state or condition to another. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can alter from" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the ability of something to change from one state to another. Ludwig confirms its usability in writing. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral register. To ensure clarity, specify both the initial and resulting states when using this phrase. Alternatives include "can change from" or "can shift from", depending on the desired nuance. While not exceedingly frequent, its consistent usage across reliable sources indicates a solid understanding of its meaning and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can change from

Replaces "alter" with "change", a more common synonym, maintaining the original meaning.

can shift from

Uses "shift" to imply a change in position or state from one thing to another.

can transition from

Emphasizes a process of moving from one condition to another.

can evolve from

Suggests a gradual development or change over time from a prior state.

can transform from

Implies a significant or dramatic change in form or appearance.

is able to modify from

Replaces "can" with "is able to" for a more formal tone while maintaining "modify" to emphasize adjustment.

has the capacity to diverge from

Focuses on the potential for something to move away from an original course or standard.

can depart from

Indicates a deviation or departure from an initial condition or plan.

can convert from

Suggests a transformation from one form or system to another.

may diverge from

Expresses possibility of moving away from a set course or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "can alter from" in a sentence?

Use "can alter from" to describe something with the ability to change or modify its state, appearance, or function from a particular starting point. For example, "Changes in temperature "can alter the material from solid to liquid"".

What are some alternatives to "can alter from"?

You can use phrases like "can change from", "can shift from", or "can transition from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "can alter from" or "can change from"?

"Can alter from" and "can change from" are fairly interchangeable in terms of formality. "Alter" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. The best choice depends on the overall tone and vocabulary of your writing.

What's the difference between "can alter from" and "can affect"?

"Can alter from" implies a change in state or condition from a specific starting point, whereas "can affect" simply means to have an influence on something. "Can alter from" is more specific, suggesting a transformation or modification.