modify if needed

USAGE SUMMARY

"modify if needed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that the reader adjust or change something according to their circumstances. For example, "Please complete the file and modify if needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The aim of this study was to validate and modify, if needed, the HERNIAscore in an external dataset.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In making the decision about the opening day, officials will have to determine what caused the bolts to fail and whether about 2,000 other bolts, similar in design but with no apparent problems, could be inspected and modified, if needed, after the bridge was opened, he added.

The New York Times

All gene models were manually inspected and modified if needed.

BMC Genomics

For protocol A, citrate flow rate was modified, if needed, to achieve a circuit Ca2+ (c-Ca2+) ≤0.4 mmol/l.

BMC Nephrology

All gene models were manually inspected and modified if needed, and redundant models derived from isoforms were removed.

Genome Biology and Evolution

In relation to blood flow rate (Qb), citrate solution rate was set to meet a circuit citrate concentration of 3 mmol/l and modified, if needed, to obtain circuit ionized calcium (c-Ca++) < 0.40 mmol/l (post-filter sample).

Critical Care

Inform your instructor of any disabilities, so that the exercises can be modified if need be.

WikiHow

Online users interact with a web interface, can execute workflows, and modify parameters if needed as allowed by the programmers.

BioMed Research International

The curator can inspect all entities annotated by the system, and easily modify them if needed (removing false positives with a simple click, or adding missed terms if necessary).

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Get an expert to check your car is safe and modify it if needed.

WikiHow

So next time you feel like breaking out into a run or busting a move (or even a toe touch), do it and modify if you need to.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modify if needed", ensure the context clearly indicates what should be modified and under what conditions. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the instruction is actionable.

Common error

While "modify if needed" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more specific alternatives like "revise as necessary" or "adjust when appropriate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify if needed" functions as an instructional element, indicating that an action (modification) should be performed conditionally. It provides flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on specific circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modify if needed" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that provides conditional instructions for making changes. It is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings. The phrase's frequent usage and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool for efficient and adaptable communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Adjust if required

Replaces "needed" with "required", maintaining the conditional aspect of the modification.

Change as necessary

Substitutes "modify" with "change" and "if needed" with "as necessary", providing a more concise alternative.

Adapt if appropriate

Uses "adapt" instead of "modify" and "appropriate" in place of "needed", focusing on suitability.

Revise if essential

Replaces "modify" with "revise" and "needed" with "essential", emphasizing the importance of the change.

Correct if faulty

Uses "correct" instead of "modify" and "faulty" in place of "needed", applicable when fixing errors.

Update when necessary

Substitutes "modify" with "update" and uses "when necessary" for the conditional aspect, suitable for improvements.

Refine as required

Replaces "modify" with "refine" and "needed" with "as required", suggesting a more delicate adjustment.

Alter if indispensable

Uses "alter" instead of "modify" and "indispensable" in place of "needed", highlighting critical changes.

Amend where applicable

Replaces "modify" with "amend" and "needed" with "where applicable", often used in legal or formal contexts.

Vary when suitable

Substitutes "modify" with "vary" and "needed" with "when suitable", focusing on making changes to fit specific conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "modify if needed" in a sentence?

Use "modify if needed" to indicate that changes should be made only if a certain condition is met. For example, "Review the document and "modify if needed" to reflect current guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "modify if needed"?

Alternatives include "adjust if required", "change as necessary", or "adapt if appropriate", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "modify when needed" or "modify if needed"?

"Modify if needed" is generally preferred because "if" implies a conditional situation, whereas "when" suggests a time-based condition. However, both can be correct depending on the intended meaning.

What does "modify if needed" mean in the context of software development?

In software development, "modify if needed" suggests that the code or system configuration should be altered only if it doesn't meet the required specifications or performance criteria. This ensures that unnecessary changes are avoided.