initiate a modification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiate a modification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of starting or implementing a change or adjustment to something. Example: "To improve the system's performance, we need to initiate a modification to the existing software."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

John H. Banks, the Council's chief of staff, said Mr. Hevesi's comments represented "a complete failure to understand the budget process" and only the mayor can initiate a budget modification.

The New York Times

Variability existed as to the best time to initiate a postpartum lifestyle modification program.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

That analysis demonstrated the role of dissipated frictional energy and thermal energy in initiating a structural modification of the debris.

Surface and Coatings Technology

At about the same time someone else at Google saw it, realized the potential it, and/or similar implementations may have, and initiated a ToS modification.

TechCrunch

For example, the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers recruited by specific histone modifications might initiate a fresh wave of histone modifications [ 45].

BMC Genomics

Hopefully this repeal or modification might initiate a wider discussion and review of information reporting that looks to lightening the burden on small businesses seeking to comply with the tax laws, while balancing that with the fair concerns about addressing the tax gap.

Forbes

Management of diabetes basically initiates with a modification in diet and exercise.

BioMed Research International

However, its un-acceptably high incidence of complications has initiated a series of technical modifications, including the "yoke" repair.

Journal of Pediatric Urology

We have initiated a program to relate protein modification by electrophiles to cellular responses in a global fashion.

Accounts of Chemical Research

The postpartum period provides a window of opportunity to initiate lifestyle modification interventions that encourage healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and nutritious eating.

Nature

A 6-month period (as used in previous studies [ 4]) was chosen because the high visit rate of diabetic patients within KPNC and the use of primary care teams who can reach out to initiate therapy modification on the physician's behalf via phone or mail give sufficient opportunity for therapy modification in this setting.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initiate a modification", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified and why. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "initiate a modification" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "start a change" or "begin an adjustment" would be more appropriate. The formality of "initiate" can sometimes sound stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiate a modification" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of starting or beginning a process of change or adjustment. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and refers to starting or implementing a change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initiate a modification" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the start of a change or adjustment process. As Ludwig AI explains, it is acceptable for use in written English. It finds its main application in scientific and news contexts, carrying a somewhat formal tone. Related phrases include "begin a change" or "start an alteration", though "initiate a modification" is better suited for professional or technical environments. While it’s important to ensure clarity in its usage, the phrase effectively conveys the commencement of an alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a change

Replaces "initiate" with "begin", offering a simpler and more direct way to express the start of a change.

start an alteration

Uses "start" instead of "initiate" and "alteration" instead of "modification", providing a slightly different lexical choice.

implement a revision

"Implement" focuses on the action of putting a change into effect, while "revision" suggests a more formal type of modification.

trigger a change

"Trigger" implies causing a change to happen, often suddenly or automatically.

introduce an adjustment

Replaces "initiate" with "introduce" and "modification" with "adjustment", suggesting a more subtle or minor change.

launch a transformation

"Launch" suggests a more significant or ambitious start, while "transformation" implies a fundamental change.

enact a reform

"Enact" suggests a formal or official implementation, while "reform" implies a specific type of modification aimed at improvement.

commence a variation

Uses "commence" instead of "initiate", which is a more formal synonym, and "variation" instead of "modification", implying a slight difference.

set in motion a correction

"Set in motion" emphasizes the act of starting a process, while "correction" suggests a change aimed at fixing an error.

undertake a refinement

"Undertake" implies taking on the responsibility of starting something, while "refinement" suggests a subtle improvement or adjustment.

FAQs

How can I use "initiate a modification" in a sentence?

You can use "initiate a modification" when you want to express the action of starting or beginning a change to something. For example, "The engineers decided to initiate a modification to the system's software to improve its performance."

What can I say instead of "initiate a modification"?

You can use alternatives like "begin a change", "start an alteration", or "implement a revision" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "initiate a modification" over simpler alternatives?

"Initiate a modification" is more appropriate in formal or technical contexts where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired. Simpler alternatives are fine for everyday conversation or less formal writing.

What's the difference between "initiate a modification" and "make a change"?

"Initiate a modification" suggests a more formal and deliberate start to a change process, whereas "make a change" is a more general and less formal way to describe altering something. The former implies a more structured approach.