is altered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is altered by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has changed or been transformed due to a certain event or circumstance. For example: "The landscape of our city has been altered by the recent influx of new businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is altered by the largest class antidepressant drugs, the SSRIs.

Huffington Post

None of this is altered by the deal.

The Guardian

Social scientists say that our perception of reality is altered by the narrative "framing" of events.

The Guardian - Sport

Each is altered by the other again and again, back and forth.

The New Yorker

FIRST SNOW A drama, directed by Mark Fergus, about a man whose life is altered by a psychic's predictions.

The New Yorker

Yet what happens when the evaluation of achievement and merit is altered by time?

The Economist

My unconscious is altered by what I do, so I know it's important for me".

Independent

My style becomes altered by these dancers, their style is altered by me.

The New York Times - Arts

Winn makes a brutally honest and disastrous toast, is altered by a social fall and confesses loneliness to his wife.

The New York Times - Books

The Tg is altered by the presence of high surface area nanoclay in the polymer matrix.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Second, the anterior position of the tongue is altered by facemask treatment.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is altered by", ensure that the agent causing the alteration is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The chemical composition of the water is altered by the industrial waste."

Common error

Avoid using "is altered by" with abstract subjects that cannot undergo physical change. For instance, instead of saying "The argument is altered by the new evidence", consider "The argument is weakened by the new evidence" or "The argument is nuanced by the new evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is altered by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject undergoes a change due to an external agent or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. For example, 'The phenotype is altered by environmental factors'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is altered by" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express that something has been changed or modified due to an external cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts, particularly in science and news media, where it frequently appears. While alternatives like "is changed by" and "is modified by" exist, "is altered by" often implies a more significant or fundamental transformation. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify the agent causing the alteration to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is changed by

This is a more direct and common synonym, suggesting a simple modification.

is modified by

Implies a specific adjustment or refinement.

is influenced by

Suggests a less direct effect, where something is affected but not completely changed.

is affected by

Similar to 'influenced,' but can also imply an adverse effect.

is shaped by

Indicates a formative influence, where something takes its current form due to something else.

is transformed by

Signifies a more complete and fundamental change.

is determined by

Suggests that something is directly controlled or decided by another factor.

is impacted by

Similar to 'affected by', but often implies a stronger or more significant effect.

is conditioned by

Highlights that something is subject to specific circumstances or requirements.

is molded by

Implies a strong influence that directs the final form or character of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is altered by" in a sentence?

Use "is altered by" to indicate that something has been changed or modified due to the influence of something else. For example, "The course of the river "is altered by" the construction of the dam."

What are some alternatives to "is altered by"?

You can use phrases like "is changed by", "is modified by", or "is influenced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is altered by" or "is changed by"?

Both phrases are correct, but "is changed by" is more common and general, while ""is altered by"" can imply a more significant or fundamental transformation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What is the difference between "is altered by" and "is affected by"?

"is affected by" indicates that something has been impacted, while ""is altered by"" suggests that something has undergone a change in its form, nature, or characteristics. "Is altered by" implies a more substantial transformation.