changed wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changed wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate when words have been rephrased. For example, "After talking it over, they decided to use changed wording when referring to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sociologist Joanna Kempner of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, found that half changed wording in their grants to avoid scrutiny, for example changing "sex workers" to "women at risk".

Science Magazine

They changed wording, removed ill-spirited jabs at Prince Albert and many others, and censored Livingstone's observations on African sexuality.

The New Yorker

It may be that the unionists are less intransigent than they now appear and are willing to be bought off with slightly changed wording and other concessions.

The Washington Post

In a conference call with election officials and expat advocates last week, Bob Carey, director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, acknowledged that the changed wording had caused concerns and said that he hoped to add an explanatory preface on the organization's Web site.

The New York Times

He did acknowledge that a DUP adviser changed wording of a Deti document, but added that Mr Bell later "advised that he had dealt with the matter to his satisfaction".

BBC

We thus changed wording to "in the last 12 months".

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There were at least 20 different versions of the script, changed word by word by word with the campaign 9.

The New Yorker

Research assistants could repeat questions but could not change wording.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We're not going to change words or sugarcoat things for the sake of an election".

The New York Times

With these questions we do not change word order.

BBC

An editor who corrects spelling or grammatical errors in a story may also change words, which changes meaning.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "changed wording", ensure the context clearly indicates what the original wording was and why the change was necessary. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that the "changed wording" was used without explaining the rationale behind the shift or providing a brief comparison. Always specify the purpose of altering the words to maintain transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changed wording" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe the act of altering the specific words used in a statement, document, or conversation. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that a conscious decision was made to rephrase something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changed wording" is a noun phrase used to describe alterations made to the specific words used in a text or speech. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and serves to inform or highlight that a modification has occurred. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, its neutral tone makes it suitable for a range of contexts. When using "changed wording", ensure you provide context for the alteration and its purpose to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modified phrasing

Focuses on slight adjustments made to the way something is expressed.

altered language

Emphasizes that the language used has been adjusted or transformed.

revised terminology

Highlights alterations made to the specific terms or vocabulary used.

adjusted phrasing

Implies subtle changes to improve clarity or accuracy.

reworded text

Specifically refers to rewriting or rephrasing written content.

edited language

Suggests improvements and modifications made through editing.

rewritten expression

Highlights a more substantial reworking of the original phrase.

varied verbiage

Emphasizes a deliberate shift in the choice of words used.

adapted articulation

Focuses on how the message is communicated, implying a change in style or manner.

refined diction

Implies that the word choice has been improved for precision or elegance.

FAQs

How to use "changed wording" in a sentence?

You can use "changed wording" to describe modifications to text or speech. For example, "The politician used "changed wording" to soften their stance on the issue".

What can I say instead of "changed wording"?

Alternatives include "modified phrasing", "altered language", or "revised terminology", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "changed wording" or "modified wording"?

Both "changed wording" and "modified wording" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Changed" implies a more direct alteration, while "modified" suggests a more gradual adjustment.

When is it appropriate to use "changed wording" in formal writing?

It's suitable when you need to explicitly point out that the original language has been altered for clarity, accuracy, or other strategic reasons. Use it when the alteration is significant enough to warrant attention.