genetic modification

USAGE SUMMARY

"genetic modification" is a correct and widely used phrase in written English.
It refers to the process of manipulating the genetic material of an organism, typically for the purpose of producing desired traits or characteristics. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "Scientists are conducting research on the potential benefits and risks of genetic modification in crops, hoping to improve yield and resistance to pests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No genetics lesson would be complete without a debate on the ethics of genetic modification (GM).

The Guardian

But Should We?", about genetically modified foods, says: "Consumers do not yet see the benefits of genetic modification.

The New York Times

Just mentioning genetic modification (GM) creates division.

The Guardian

Genetic modification can somewhat increase our harvests.

The New York Times

They dislike the genetic modification of crops.

The Economist

"Genetic modification is an approach, a tool," he says.

The Guardian

They concluded that genetic modification hurts the natural environment.

The New Yorker

• Designing better seeds, either through conventional means or genetic modification.

The New York Times

Genetic modification It is difficult to talk about the role of technology in increasing the intensification and sustainability of agriculture without discussing genetic modification.

The Guardian

Genetic modification was supposedly a harmless panacea that would save the planet.

The New York Times

Even organic crops labeled "G.M. Free" are testing positive for genetic modification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "genetic modification", be specific about the organism being modified (e.g., crops, humans, bacteria) and the intended outcome of the modification.

Common error

Avoid using "genetic modification" interchangeably with other breeding techniques. Genetic modification involves direct alteration of DNA, unlike selective breeding, which relies on natural variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genetic modification" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI examples show it acting as a subject or object of a sentence, indicating the process itself or referring to specific instances of genetic alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genetic modification" is a very common noun phrase that refers to the process of altering an organism's genetic material. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used, featuring prominently in both News & Media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI examples confirm its diverse application. When writing about this topic, be specific about the organism and intended outcome. While related phrases like "genome editing" or "genetic engineering" can be used, understand their subtle differences. Avoid confusing "genetic modification" with traditional breeding techniques or natural mutations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Genetic engineering

A broader term encompassing various techniques for modifying an organism's genes.

Gene modification

A shorter, more concise way to refer to the alteration of genes.

Genome editing

Focuses specifically on altering the genetic code at precise locations.

Gene alteration

Highlights the process of changing genes, emphasizing the alteration aspect.

Genomic alteration

Highlights changes to the entire genome of an organism.

DNA manipulation

Emphasizes the direct handling and alteration of DNA molecules.

Germline modification

Specifically targets the germ cells (sperm or egg) causing changes that are heritable.

Hereditary alteration

Focuses on the change that affects the inherited characteristics.

Biological engineering

A broader term that encompasses the application of engineering principles to biological systems.

Transgenesis

Involves the introduction of a foreign gene into an organism.

FAQs

What exactly does "genetic modification" mean?

Genetic modification refers to the process of altering the genetic material of an organism. This is typically done to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones.

How is "genetic modification" different from traditional breeding?

Unlike traditional breeding, which relies on natural selection and cross-breeding, "genetic modification" involves directly manipulating an organism's DNA. This allows for more precise and targeted changes.

What are some alternative phrases for "genetic modification"?

Depending on the context, you can use "genome editing", "gene alteration", or "genetic engineering" as alternatives to "genetic modification".

Is "genetic modification" the same as "genetic mutation"?

No, "genetic modification" is a deliberate process of altering genes, whereas a genetic mutation is a spontaneous change in the DNA sequence.