modify phrasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modify phrasing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or adjustments to the way something is expressed or articulated. Example: "To improve clarity, we need to modify phrasing in the report to ensure the message is easily understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The modifying phrase dangles, with nothing to modify.

The New York Times

Remember that when a participle construction, appositive or other modifying phrase starts a sentence, the person or thing being described should generally come directly after the modifying phrase.

The New York Times

(Also, the modifying phrase "called roaming fees" has roamed awfully far from what it modifies, "charges").

The New York Times

The first noun or pronoun after the introductory modifying phrase should be the thing the phrase describes.

The New York Times

That's because the modifying phrase follows the noun, as any fool can plainly see, to use a locution of the well-remembered Pappy Yokum.

The New York Times - Magazine

The person described by the modifying phrase, Mr. Kaido, does come immediately after the phrase — but as a possessive modifier, not as a noun.

The New York Times

Remember, the modifying phrase — in this case, "like so many others" — should be followed immediately by the noun or pronoun that the modifier refers to.

The New York Times

With a participle construction or other modifying phrase like this, the person or thing being describe should come right after the modifier.

The New York Times

As we've noted often, modifying phrases like participle constructions and "like" comparisons should be followed immediately by the noun or pronoun that the modifier describes.

The New York Times

That is hyphenated in New York as well as in Sydney because a modifying phrase that expresses a single thought and comes before a noun (in this case, the noun "date") is treated as an adjectival compound and takes a hyphen, as in, "If you buy this milk after the sell-by date, beware of curdling".

The New York Times - Magazine

Abbreviations used in this paper included: HAI: the morpheme hai, PROG: progressive aspect, EXP: experiential aspect, PERV: perfective aspect, PERF: perfect aspect, FOC: focus marker, SHI: the marker shi, CL: classifier, DE: the marker for modifying phrases in MC, PL: plural marker, GENG: comparative morpheme, Q: question particle, and SFP: sentence final particle.

Lingua Sinica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback on writing, use "modify phrasing" to suggest specific improvements to word choice for clarity or impact.

Common error

Avoid using highly technical or specialized vocabulary when you simply need to "modify phrasing". Focus on clear, straightforward language to ensure the message is accessible to a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify phrasing" functions as a verb phrase, where "modify" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (phrasing). It indicates the action of making changes to the way something is worded. Ludwig AI supports this by identifying its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modify phrasing" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that suggests making changes to improve wording. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its limited presence in the provided examples suggests it is not a highly frequent expression. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, often used in professional or educational settings where precise language matters. Alternative phrases like ""alter wording"" or "adjust language" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alter wording

Focuses specifically on changing the choice of words.

adjust language

Highlights the act of making subtle refinements to the language used.

revise wording

Emphasizes a more thorough review and correction of the phrasing.

reword expression

Suggests changing the way an idea is conveyed through words.

tweak phrasing

Indicates a minor adjustment to improve the phrasing.

refine language

Implies a more sophisticated or polished adjustment to the language.

change expression

Focuses on altering the mode of conveying a thought or feeling.

adapt language

Highlights making the language suitable for a specific purpose or audience.

edit wording

Emphasizes correcting and improving the wording, often for clarity or accuracy.

reformulate expression

Implies a more significant alteration, reshaping the expression entirely.

FAQs

How can I use "modify phrasing" effectively in a sentence?

Use "modify phrasing" when you want to suggest improvements in word choice or sentence structure to enhance clarity, precision, or style. For instance, "To improve clarity, we need to "alter wording" in the report".

What are some alternatives to "modify phrasing"?

You can use alternatives like "adjust language", "revise wording", or "reword expression" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "modify phrasing"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you are discussing or suggesting changes to the way something is expressed, such as in editing, writing, or communication. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

What is the difference between "modify phrasing" and "change expression"?

"Modify phrasing" suggests making specific, targeted changes to improve clarity or style, while "change expression" implies a more general or substantial alteration in how something is communicated.