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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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modified by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"modified by" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase to indicate that something has been changed or altered in some way. For example, "The recipe was modified by the addition of extra salt."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Temperatures are often modified by sea winds.

Basically we were genetically modified by aliens.

That interpretation has now been modified by the Strasbourg judges.

News & Media

The Guardian

The cliffs have been much modified by landslides.

They cannot be so modified by the Greek government.

News & Media

The New York Times

The Fischer carbenes can be modified by electron-rich groups.

The respiratory rate (rate of breathing) is modified by disease.

A continental climate modified by Atlantic influences prevails.

Tanzania's warm equatorial climate is modified by variations in elevation.

This was modified by a speaker to "might possibly be one of her last performances".

To battle cancer, cells might be genetically modified by the nanorobots to produce tumor-killing chemicals.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modified by", ensure that the agent or factor causing the modification is clearly identified to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "modified by" without specifying what is doing the modifying. For example, instead of saying "The design was modified", specify "The design was modified by the engineering team."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modified by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has undergone a change caused by an agent. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase connects an altered entity with the source of the alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modified by" serves to attribute a change or alteration to a specific agent or cause. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, "modified by" most often appears in scientific, news media, and encyclopedia contexts. For clarity, it's crucial to specify the agent causing the modification. Alternatives include "altered through", "influenced via", and "adapted because of", offering nuanced ways to express similar relationships. Remember to ensure the agent of modification is clear to avoid ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I use "modified by" in a sentence?

Use "modified by" to indicate that something has been changed or altered by a specific agent or factor. For example, "The recipe was "modified by" adding more spices."

What are some alternatives to "modified by"?

You can use alternatives like "altered through", "influenced via", or "adapted because of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "modified by"?

While "modified by" is inherently passive, consider whether the active voice might be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The program was "modified by" the developers", you could say "The developers modified the program."

What's the difference between ""modified by"" and "affected by"?

"Modified by" implies a deliberate change or alteration, while "affected by" suggests a more general influence, which may not necessarily be intentional.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: