it could be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of changing or modifying something. Example: "The document is not final; it could be altered based on the feedback we receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It could be altered on the screen -- details added or highlighted, scale and perspective changed and then printed out.

The New York Times - Books

That intraday pricing is adjusted at multimonth intervals, but theoretically, it could be altered on the fly, depending on availability at any given hour.

The New York Times - Tech

What form the second tier exam would take remained under consideration, with Gove suggesting that it could be altered to a stand-alone test with a lower-grade ceiling or be an extension paper.

The Guardian

He said it should stay in place, but that it could be altered to allow the Sun to reveal the job description of the unnamed woman, referred to in court as VBN, and the length of her relationship with Goodwin.

The Guardian

It makes sense to set such a high bar for changes to the national charter: the constitution would not constitute if it could be altered willy-nilly by any old political majority.

The Economist

The fall in teen pregnancy is no accident or whim, but almost entirely due to a programme that should be a model for social policy, backed by evidence and monitored for success so it could be altered as it progressed to learn from what worked best.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That they were cheap and quick to build was seen as a virtue in more frugal days, and it meant they could be altered easily.

The Economist

It meant that the world could be altered by its inhabitants, and that mental labors could have extraordinary consequences.

The New York Times - Arts

It is possible that pages could be altered inappropriately (either by accident, or intent), and an ability to view which individual created what changes, as well as the ability to revert to historic versions of the page may be useful.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It was a good thing because it opened new possibilities of what could be altered or legitimated within contemporary Christianity.

The New York Times

Mr. Thacker designed its processor so that it could be customized: the hardware could be altered and optimized for different programs and computer languages and to connect easily to various peripheral devices.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it could be altered" when indicating a possibility or potential for change, without implying certainty. This phrasing is useful in contexts where flexibility is important.

Common error

Avoid using "it could be altered" when you mean to convey a definite plan for change. Phrases like "it will be altered" are more appropriate for confirmed changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could be altered" functions as a statement of possibility. It indicates that a particular subject is capable of being changed or modified. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could be altered" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the possibility of change or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show its common use in news, science, and formal contexts. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is a useful way to express flexibility and potential adjustments. Alternatives such as ""it might be modified"" or ""it can be changed"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using this phrase when you intend to express definite plans for change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be modified

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower probability of alteration.

it can be changed

Uses "can" instead of "could", suggesting a possibility with less uncertainty.

it is subject to change

Emphasizes the potential for change as an inherent characteristic.

it is open to modification

Highlights the accessibility of the item to being modified.

it may be adjusted

Replaces "altered" with "adjusted", implying a finer level of change.

it is liable to revision

Indicates a higher likelihood of alteration, specifically through revision.

it is susceptible to amendment

Suggests that the subject is easily amended.

it's not set in stone

An idiomatic expression meaning something is not final and can be changed.

changes can be made to it

Shifts the focus to the action of making changes, rather than the possibility.

it is malleable

Implies the inherent property of being easily shaped or altered.

FAQs

What does "it could be altered" mean?

The phrase "it could be altered" means that something has the potential to be changed or modified, but it is not certain.

When should I use "it could be altered"?

Use "it could be altered" when you want to express that a change is possible but not guaranteed. It's suitable for discussions about plans, proposals, or designs that are still in development.

What can I say instead of "it could be altered"?

You can use alternatives like "it might be modified", "it can be changed", or "it is subject to change" depending on the context.

Is "it could be altered" formal or informal?

"It could be altered" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.