manipulate information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manipulate information" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to controlling or changing data, facts, or data in a way that serves a particular purpose or agenda. Example: The company was accused of manipulating information in their financial reports to make their profits seem higher than they actually were.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"To tell a story effectively you manipulate information..

The Guardian - Books

While ordinary machines work by manipulating stuff, computers manipulate information, symbols which are essentially weightless.

The New York Times

It's an easy step from trying to manipulate the press to manipulate information.

The Guardian

Even for a man whose former job was editing the Telegraph this is an extraordinary way to manipulate information.

The Guardian

Nearly every act of cognition reasoning, planning, problem solving relies on one's ability to store and manipulate information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The capacity to merge and manipulate information from a range of public bodies is already delivering wider benefit that ranges from better policing to environmental protection.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new report by the National Council for Research on Women documents many small but important steps to manipulate information to the detriment of women and truth.

The New York Times

It allows students to manipulate information, including video, audio and graphics found on the Internet, while maintaining the connection to the original source.

The New York Times

Web 2.0, or the ability to share and manipulate information online through user collaboration, has had a disruptive effect on business.

The Guardian

All of these are software tools used by GCHQ to manipulate information online but if you Google them, the only hits are from Urban Dictionary.

Independent

In the mid-1990s, Nicoined Negroponthecoined termthem "the Daily Me" to describe the interface with which end users would receive, customize, and manipulate information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of technology or media, use "manipulate information" to highlight how these tools can be used to shape public perception.

Common error

Be aware that "manipulate information" often carries a negative connotation, implying deception or unethical behavior. Choose alternative phrases like "process information" or "modify information" when a neutral tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manipulate information" functions as a verb phrase where "manipulate" is the transitive verb and "information" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and commonly used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manipulate information" is a commonly used phrase describing the act of controlling or altering information, often with a specific purpose. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that while grammatically correct, the phrase frequently carries negative connotations, implying deception or unethical behavior. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news and media, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potential negative implications and consider alternative phrases if a more neutral tone is desired, such as "modify information" or "process information".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control information

This emphasizes the power aspect of keeping information within certain boundaries.

modify information

This alternative emphasizes changing or altering the information in some way.

alter information

This suggests making changes to the information, similar to "modify information".

affect information

This alternative changes the verb to focus on influence rather than direct control.

change information

This is a more general term for altering the data.

exploit information

This alternative suggests using information for one's own advantage, sometimes with a negative connotation.

distort information

This implies altering information to mislead or deceive.

revise information

This suggests correcting or updating the information, implying a change towards accuracy.

manage information

This alternative suggests controlling the flow and access to information.

process information

This alternative focuses on handling and analyzing the information.

FAQs

How can the phrase "manipulate information" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "manipulate information" can be used to describe actions taken to control or alter data for a specific purpose. For example, "The government was accused of trying to "manipulate information" to gain public support."

What are some alternatives to "manipulate information"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "affect information", "modify information", or "control information".

What is the difference between "manipulate information" and "process information"?

"Manipulate information" implies altering data, often with a specific agenda, while "process information" refers to handling and analyzing data without necessarily changing it. Processing information is part of a neutral handling of the information, while manipulating implies altering it.

Is it always wrong to "manipulate information"?

While the term "manipulate information" often carries a negative connotation, there can be instances where altering information is necessary or justified, such as correcting errors or presenting data in a more accessible format. However, it is important to consider the ethics involved when you "revise information".