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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
changed by a factor of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "changed by a factor of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or scientific contexts to describe a multiplicative change in quantity or value. Example: "The population of the city changed by a factor of three over the last decade."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
differ by a factor of
ranged by a factor of
varied by a factor of
are scaled by a factor of
vary proportionally
have a proportional difference
show a proportionate difference
relate by a scaling factor
exhibit a ratio of
differ in magnitude
be by a factor of
exceed by a factor of
vary by a factor of
differ by a feature of
deviate by a factor of
range by a factor of
diverge by a factor of
are by a factor of
variance by a factor of
change by a factor of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
The fluctuation amplitudes changed by a factor of 3 relative to the original THz-OFF state.
Science
During this period, the total 2 18 keV flux changed by a factor of 3 and quiescent time hardness ratio remained in the region 0.9-1.4 0.9-1.4
Science
For the range of spherical phantoms and tumours studied, the calibration factor changed by a factor of 3.7 (62–227 cps/MBq) and 2.5 (67–168 cps/MBq), respectively.
Science
For the sphere sizes investigated (volume 0.03 1.17 ml), the calibration factor varied by a factor of 3.7, whilst for the range of tumour masses in the mice (41 232 mg), the calibration factor changed by a factor of 2.5.
Science
(17) So if the dimension of t is changed by a factor of (lambda>0), the dimensions of x and u must vary by factors of (lambda^{1/3}) and (lambda^{-2/ 3p)}), respectivelambda^{-2/ 3pe physical equation dimensionally balanced.
Science
Our results showed that for the range of tumours observed in this mouse cohort, the calibration factor to convert from counts to activity changed by a factor of 2.5, which can potentially lead to significant errors in the quantification of tumour activity, uptake and absorbed dose.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
The etch rate of the resultant coating films was found to change by a factor of almost 1000 for various heat treatment conditions in the temperature range 600∼800°C.
The standard interpretation of the relative risk ratio is for a unit change in the independent variable, the relative risk ratio of the dependent variable m relative to the reference category is expected to change by a factor of the respective parameter estimate given that the variables in the model are held constant (Institute for Digital Research and Education [2014]).
Science
Furthermore, according to the Arrhenius theorem, the pseudo first-order rate constant of a cooperative transporter complex will change by a factor of exp(−W Ci /RT) (where i = 1, 2, 3), relative to the hypothetical rate of an isolated monomeric transporter (Box 2).
Science
Although the coefficient of variation (COV) of this dispersion is smaller than the COV of the initial random cracks, it may be of concern to designers, as the life period of the design may change by a factor of more than 3.
However, cation concentration should change by a factor of 1.5 to shift the null point by 10 mV or more.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing changes, specify whether the change is an increase or a decrease and ensure the factor is clearly defined within the context. For example, instead of saying "The cost changed by a factor of two", specify "The cost increased by a factor of two" or "The cost decreased by a factor of two."
Common error
Avoid assuming the direction of change. Saying something "changed by a factor of X" doesn't inherently specify if it increased or decreased; always clarify the direction.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "changed by a factor of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the magnitude of change in a quantity. It is commonly used to express multiplicative increases or decreases, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.
Frequent in
Science
97%
News & Media
1%
Encyclopedias
1%
Less common in
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "changed by a factor of" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized expression, predominantly in the realm of scientific and technical discourse. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase accurately conveys the degree of multiplicative change affecting a specific quantity, with variations in scale clearly explained. To ensure clarity, writers should specify whether this change represents an increase or decrease and avoid ambiguity in the base value.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
altered by a ratio of
Emphasizes the proportional relationship between the initial and final values.
varied by a proportion of
Indicates a change in proportion.
increased by a multiplier of
Focuses on multiplication as the method of change.
decreased by a divisor of
Highlights division as the method of change, specifically a reduction.
shifted by a multiple of
Emphasizes a shift or change by multiplication.
modified proportionally by
Highlights that the change is proportional.
adjusted by a coefficient of
Highlights a specific adjustment using a coefficient.
scaled by a magnitude of
Suggests the change involves scaling, either up or down.
transformed by a magnitude of
Suggests a transformation with a certain magnitude.
fluctuated by an order of
Focuses on significant changes.
FAQs
How is "changed by a factor of" used in a sentence?
This phrase is used to describe a multiplicative change in a value. For example, "The production increased changed by a factor of 3 after the new equipment was installed".
What can I say instead of "changed by a factor of"?
You can use alternatives like "increased by a multiple of", "decreased by a divisor of", or "altered by a ratio of" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "changed to a factor of" instead of "changed by a factor of"?
No, "changed to a factor of" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "changed by a factor of", which describes the multiplicative amount of change.
What's the difference between "changed by a factor of" and "increased by a factor of"?
"Changed by a factor of" is a general term that indicates the magnitude of change, whereas "increased by a factor of" specifically indicates an increase in value.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested