marked change

USAGE SUMMARY

"marked change" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a noticeable or significant change, often in an unpleasant way. For example, "The new lockdown regulations marked a sharp change for the school's operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tisno's mayor, Ivan Klarin, has seen a marked change in the town since Garden set up shop there.

The Guardian - Travel

This trend is a marked change.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a marked change from a year ago.

The New York Times

This is a marked change from the 90's.

The New York Times

Ms. Dorfman has seen a marked change in Kerron.

The New York Times

"It's clear we need a marked change in approach.

The Guardian

One marked change is the new self-help program.

The New Yorker

Since her return, she has noticed a marked change.

The New York Times - Style

In 1257 another marked change took place in Bacon's life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following the election there has been a marked change in attitude".

The Guardian - Business

Working out a temporary agreement with Brazil is a marked change in tactics for Mr. Zoellick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked change" when you want to emphasize that a difference is easily noticeable and significant, often implying a shift in direction or condition. For greater impact, follow it with a description of the previous state.

Common error

Avoid using "marked change" exclusively in passive constructions, as it can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, actively show who or what experienced the change to make your writing more engaging and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked change" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "marked" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "change". Ludwig shows it's used to describe a clear and noticeable alteration or shift in a situation, condition, or attitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marked change" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a noticeable or significant alteration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability across various contexts. It's particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you highlight what has changed and, if necessary, the cause. While appropriate for formal writing, actively engage your audience by using it in active constructions rather than overly passive ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable shift

Emphasizes the direction or movement of the change.

significant alteration

Highlights the extent and impact of the change.

considerable difference

Focuses on the degree to which things are no longer the same.

distinct transformation

Suggests a more fundamental and complete change.

pronounced variation

Highlights that the change is easily observed or detected.

evident modification

Implies the change is clear and apparent.

clear departure

Indicates a move away from a previous state or practice.

notable development

Suggests the change is significant and worth mentioning.

substantial adjustment

Emphasizes the degree of change made to adapt to new circumstances.

radical revision

Implies a fundamental and comprehensive change.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "marked change" in a sentence?

To effectively use "marked change", clearly state what is changing and, if relevant, the reason behind it. For instance, "There was a "marked change" in the company's strategy after the new CEO's arrival" provides context and impact.

What are some alternatives to "marked change"?

Alternatives include "noticeable shift", "significant alteration", or "considerable difference" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "marked change" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "marked change" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a significant alteration. However, ensure the context warrants such a direct term, as alternatives like "notable development" might be more appropriate in some cases.

How does "marked change" differ from "slight change"?

"Marked change" indicates a significant and noticeable alteration, whereas "slight change" suggests a minor or barely perceptible difference. Choosing between them depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing. A "considerable difference" would be better in this case.