it could alter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could alter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential for change or modification in a situation, outcome, or object. Example: "The new policy is designed to improve efficiency, but it could alter the way employees interact with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We will come again!" If the movement sustains its intensity, it could alter the course of the presidential election in March, when Mr. Putin plans to extend his stretch as the country's dominant figure to an eventual 18 years.

The New York Times

But what if it could alter its shape, move in all directions at once?

The New Yorker

It could alter its rules to give them a better chance of getting into the Champion's League, for instance by guaranteeing the big countries two or three places; it could give them more of the cash it collects; it could securitise its future income from television rights and give it to clubs to reduce the uncertainty of competitive life.

The Economist

Work could be moved into place no earlier than the morning of the show; none of it could alter the island or damage its plant life; no more than 300 people at a time could come out to the island; and all evidence of the show's existence had to be gone by the next morning.

The New York Times - Arts

The surprising finding, from the largest study of its kind in veterans, challenges current treatment standards so directly that it could alter practice soon, some experts said.

The New York Times - Health

"It could alter the balance of power in Albany".

The New York Times

It could alter the internal balance of power.

The New Yorker

It could alter the story of Facebook itself.

Independent

If Nepal turns into a Maoist totalitarian state, it could alter the security balance throughout South Asia.

The New York Times

If he pitches with a sore foot, it could alter his mechanics and possibly lead to an injury elsewhere.

The New York Times - Sports

Yesterday, Worldcom's board discussed whether it could alter a severance agreement previously signed with Bernard J. Ebbers, the company's former chief executive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could alter", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to and what the potential alteration entails. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it could alter" when a change is highly improbable or purely speculative. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect a lower degree of certainty, such as "it might possibly affect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could alter" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility or potential for change. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in predicting or speculating about the impact of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it could alter" is a versatile expression used to convey the possibility of change or modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "it might modify" or "it may transform" exist, "it could alter" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility. Remember to ensure the context is clear and to avoid overstating the certainty of change when using this phrase. Ludwig examples provide ample illustrations of its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might modify

Emphasizes a possibility of change, similar to "it could alter" but with a slightly weaker degree of certainty.

it may transform

Suggests a more significant or dramatic change than "it could alter".

it has the potential to reshape

Highlights the inherent possibility of influencing the form or structure.

it is capable of revising

Focuses on the ability to make changes, especially to correct or improve.

it can influence

Implies a less direct or forceful change, suggesting a subtle effect.

it would potentially adjust

Highlights the conditional nature of the alteration, dependent on certain factors.

it is liable to shift

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of change, often in a specific direction.

it promises to affect

Expresses an expectation that a change will occur, often with a positive connotation.

it stands to convert

Implies the possibility of complete change into another form or substance.

it is set to remodel

Conveys the intention or plan to change the structure or appearance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it could alter" in a sentence?

Use "it could alter" to suggest a potential change or modification. For example, "The new evidence "it could alter" our understanding of the event."

What are some alternatives to "it could alter"?

You can use alternatives like "it might modify", "it may transform", or "it has the potential to reshape" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it could alter" a formal or informal phrase?

"It could alter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. Its appropriateness often depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between "it could alter" and "it will alter"?

"It could alter" suggests a possibility or potential change, whereas "it will alter" implies a definite or certain change. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to express.