it might be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of changes or modifications to something, such as a document, plan, or design. Example: "The final version of the report is not yet complete, and it might be altered based on the feedback we receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His mandate was not precise, but, as an outsider with no emotional ties to ICI the institution or to any of its divisions, he could look objectively at the organization and say how it might be altered.

Harvard Business Review

The illusion is stronger when the prose is online, partly because you are aware that it might be altered or redacted at any moment the writer may be online, too, as you read it and partly because the Internet has been around for such a short time that we implicitly assume (as we do not with a book) that the writer of a blog post is alive.

The New Yorker

The illusion is stronger when the prose is online, partly because you are aware that it might be altered or redacted at any moment — the writer may be online, too, as you read it — and partly because the Internet has been around for such a short time that we implicitly assume (as we do not with a book) that the writer of a blog post is alive.

The New Yorker

A citizen is idealized when we consider her belief-value set as it might be altered by changing one or more of her beliefs, desires, goals and/or plans according to some criteria.

SEP

Scientists have been trying to gain a more complete picture of just how this warming and melting is changing the Arctic ecosystem, including how the atmosphere above it might be altered.

Huffington Post

Considering the multiple functions of PREP, it might be altered by rs1325421 and thus manifest different characteristics among different populations.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even at In Salah, deep in the Sahara, the companies have stopped injecting the gas since mid-2011 because of worries that it might be altering the underground rock structures.

The New York Times

We saw no evidence for the core pathway affecting levels of E-cad transcription (Fig. 4M), suggesting that it might be altering E-cad turnover.

Development (Cambridge)

The Security Council was scheduled to take up discussion of the final report on November 25, and when it appeared the report might be altered or scuttled, it was "leaked" (released) to every news organization on the planet.

Huffington Post

Until the line drawers get to work, in the spring, it is uncertain how the 32nd might be altered.

The New York Times

It was unclear how that climate might be altered as taxpayers realize they did not actually lose $700 billion to help big banks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "the plan" or "the document" before using the phrase.

Common error

While "it might be altered" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound vague. Consider if an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct, such as "we might alter it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might be altered" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "might" expresses possibility, while "be altered" is the passive form of the verb "alter". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might be altered" is a grammatically correct modal passive construction used to express the possibility of change or modification. Ludwig AI identifies it as suitable for a range of contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports. While not extremely common, it's a useful phrase to indicate that something is subject to potential future adjustments. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and be mindful of overusing passive voice, which can sometimes obscure the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be changed

Replaces "might" with "could", indicating a similar level of possibility regarding a change.

it may be modified

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "altered" with "modified", both suggesting a possible change.

it is subject to change

Indicates that something is liable to be changed, focusing on the inherent possibility of alteration.

it is potentially modified

Emphasizes the potential for modification, similar to the original phrase's suggestion of possibility.

it is liable to alteration

Highlights the susceptibility to being altered, stressing the chance of change.

it is open to revision

Suggests that something is not finalized and can be changed or revised.

it is subject to revision

Similar to 'open to revision', it says that the possibility to be altered is still present.

it is possibly amended

Implies a chance of being amended, often used in legal or formal contexts.

it is perhaps adjusted

Indicates that something may be adjusted, suggesting a slight change or modification.

it's subject to adjustment

Expresses the idea that alterations may occur, often for improvement or adaptation.

FAQs

How can I use "it might be altered" in a sentence?

You can use "it might be altered" to express a possibility of change, for instance: "The schedule is tentative and "it might be altered" depending on the weather conditions".

What are some alternatives to saying "it might be altered"?

Some alternatives include "it could be changed", "it may be modified", or "it is subject to change". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "it might be altered" or "it could be changed"?

"It might be altered" and ""it could be changed"" are both fairly neutral in tone. "Might" often suggests a slightly lesser degree of certainty than "could", but the difference is subtle.

What is the difference between "it might be altered" and "it will be altered"?

"It might be altered" indicates a possibility, whereas "it will be altered" expresses a certainty. "It will be altered" means the change is definite, while ""it might be altered"" leaves room for the change not to happen.