modify it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modify it to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest changing something from one form to another. For example, "I don't particularly like the colour of paint on the wall - could you modify it to a light blue instead?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the motor is 360 degree modifiable, you can modify it to spin continuously.

WikiHow

In this section, we review the SUS algorithm [6] and modify it to overcome its vulnerable aspects.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We invite all Applied Mathematics teachers to use our unit in its entirety or to modify it to meet their individual needs.

Yale University

How would you modify it to work with Celsius temperatures?

Princeton University

I would get the source code of a game and then modify it to work how I wanted.

The New York Times

"This show speaks to how you can inhabit free space and modify it to suit your needs," Erwan Bouroullec said.

The New York Times

Again this square feels a little restrictive so we're going to modify it to "Stylish headwear" and power on.

The Guardian - Film

A single cell can cause disease, and you can genetically modify it to make it more powerful".

The New Yorker

The bad news: VoIP is a hot new tool for scammers who modify it to fool caller-ID technology.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Vernon said retirees should consider the "spending safely" proposal a baseline, and modify it to fit their circumstances.

The New York Times

"This allows for a consumer to modify it to fit specific situations, or just to noodle around".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of change implied by "modify". If a complete overhaul is intended, a stronger verb like "transform" or "convert" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "modify it to" when the referent of "it" is ambiguous or unclear. Always ensure that the reader can easily identify what is being modified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify it to" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of changing something for a specific purpose or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modify it to" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that expresses the action of changing something to achieve a specific purpose or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "it" is clear and that the degree of change implied aligns with your intended meaning. While alternatives like "change it to" or "adapt it to" exist, "modify it to" remains a reliable choice for conveying the act of making deliberate adjustments or adaptations in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change it to

Focuses on the act of making something different, often simpler and more direct.

adapt it to

Implies making something suitable for a specific purpose or condition.

adjust it to

Suggests making small changes to improve something.

convert it to

Implies transforming something into a different form or system.

revise it to

Focuses on correcting or improving something, typically written material.

transform it into

Emphasizes a significant change in form or appearance.

rework it to

Suggests improving or repairing something through further work.

tailor it to

Implies customizing something to fit specific needs or preferences.

remodel it to

Suggests restructuring or redesigning something.

refashion it into

Emphasizes changing the style or appearance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "modify it to" in a sentence?

Use "modify it to" when you want to express changing something in order to achieve a different form or purpose. For example, "We need to modify the code to include the new feature".

What are some alternatives to "modify it to"?

You can use alternatives such as "change it to", "adapt it to", or "adjust it to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "modify to" without the "it"?

While "modify to" might be understood in certain contexts, it is generally grammatically incorrect and less clear than "modify it to". Always include the "it" to ensure clarity.

When should I use "adapt it to" instead of "modify it to"?

"Adapt it to" implies making something suitable for a specific purpose or condition, while "modify it to" suggests a more general change. Use "adapt it to" when you're making something fit a particular need.