it could modify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could modify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential impact or change that something may have on another element, often in a technical or academic context. Example: "In this experiment, the new variable it could modify the results significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Because it had issued most of its debt under local law, it could modify the bonds' terms however it chose.

The Economist

The court gave the petitioners until 5pm local time on Monday to post the bond, but said it could modify the amount if shown good cause.

The Guardian

What remains unclear is precisely how the Council would accomplish this, but legal experts say that it could modify the law, or even extend the limit to three terms from two, by passing a law of its own.

The New York Times

Or it could modify the rule to allow for hESC research; or change the DeGette bill so it's consistent with Dickey-Wicker.

Science Magazine

To investigate in healthy eumenorrheic young women whether an oral contraceptive (OC) containing drospirenone (DRSP) (3 mg) + ethinyl estradiol (EE) (30 μg) (DRS P+ EE) could modify psychological symptoms and whether it could modify steroids interfering with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA -A receptors.

Fertility and Sterility

The United States has called on Iran to scrap or radically alter the as yet-uncompleted reactor, but Tehran has so far rejected that idea while hinting it could modify the plant.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was in the right direction, but not quite there, so I thought I could modify it, but then some other student jumped in with the right answer.

The New York Times

Perhaps some content deal is behind the search tool, but it would be infinitely more useful if users could modify it slightly.

TechCrunch

It was like an Indian version of the Ford Model A, and you could modify it to your heart's content".

The New York Times

Have you ever looked at a holiday company's itinerary and wished you could modify it?

The Guardian - Travel

"We have looked at how we could modify it from time to time, but part of the value proposition we're selling is compliance and controls".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could modify", ensure that the subject (the 'it') and the object being modified are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The new policy could modify the existing regulations."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "it could modify" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it may alter", "it might change", or "it can influence" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could modify" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that something has the capacity or ability to cause a change. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could modify" is a grammatically correct and usable modal verb phrase used to express possibility or potential change. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for discussing potential impact or alteration. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms such as "it might alter" or "it may change" can enhance your writing. Ensuring clarity in subject and object definition is crucial when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might alter

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability of the modification occurring.

it may change

Substitutes "could" with "may", offering another variation that implies a possibility of alteration.

it has the potential to reshape

Emphasizes the transformative aspect of the modification, suggesting a more significant change.

it is capable of adjusting

Focuses on the ability to adapt or fine-tune, highlighting the flexibility of the modification.

it can influence

Shifts the focus to the impact of the modification, suggesting a less direct but still significant effect.

it would be able to revise

Introduces a conditional tone while emphasizing the capacity for revision.

it is able to transform

Highlights a more complete or dramatic change compared to a simple modification.

it is susceptible to altering

Emphasizes that the change is open to occur but may not be directly initiated by it.

it possesses the ability to tweak

Offers a more informal way to express slight adjustments or fine-tuning.

it has the capacity to impact

Indicates the potential for an effect, which might be more subtle than a direct modification.

FAQs

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

Use "it could modify" to indicate a potential change or influence. For example, "The new software update "it could modify" the user interface".

What phrases are similar to "it could modify"?

Similar phrases include "it might alter", "it may change", or "it can influence", which all suggest a possibility of change or effect.

Is "it could modify" formal or informal?

"It could modify" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings may benefit from using synonyms like "it has the potential to reshape" for increased precision.

Which is more accurate, "it could modify" or "it will modify"?

"It could modify" indicates a possibility, while "it will modify" suggests certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the change occurring.