modify to

USAGE SUMMARY

"modify to" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase "modify to" is generally used to mean making changes or adjustments to something in order to achieve a desired result. For example, "The design plans need to be modified to meet the new safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Most temples in the U.S.A. sort of modify to appeal to more people," she said.

The New York Times

You can use your favorite search engine to locate a form for interrogatories and then modify to fit your needs.

WikiHow

The Dodd proposal mirrors the House language, which some advocates had hoped to modify to give states more leeway to adopt stricter standards.

The New York Times

I'm having a blast learning about how my five-year-old HP laptop works and about the powerful things you can do when you can modify to your heart's content.

The Guardian - Tech

"The use of default options which the data subject is required to modify to object to the processing, such as preticked boxes, does not express free consent," Mr. Albrecht wrote.

The New York Times

Instead, he said, he made a deal with a factory that had told him it could make cases for the iPhone 5 and asked him to send designs that it would then modify to fit the new phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That deal was modified to win approval.

The Guardian - Business

Previous tanks had to be modified to include the changes.

The New York Times - Science

Both can be modified to deliver forms of proportional representation.

The New Yorker

But that style, modified to Tudorbethan, spread rapidly.

The Guardian

Doors of SUV modified to accommodate XXXL passengers?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modify to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being changed and the intended outcome of the modification. For example, "The software was modified to improve user accessibility" is more informative than "The software was modified."

Common error

Avoid using "modify to" without specifying what the modification entails. Unclear usage can lead to confusion. Provide specifics to ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of altering something to achieve a specific purpose or fit a particular context. It signifies a transformation or adjustment. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modify to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the act of altering something for a specific purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, from scientific writing to news reports. Its high frequency across diverse sources, including The New York Times and scientific journals, underscores its broad acceptability. When using "modify to", it's beneficial to clearly state what is being modified and the reason behind the modification. Alternatives such as "adapt for" or "adjust to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ultimately, "modify to" serves as a valuable tool for expressing intentional change in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust to

Emphasizes a change made to conform to new conditions.

adapt for

Focuses more on making something suitable for a specific use.

customize to

Highlights personalization or making something unique.

tailor for

Suggests a precise and specific adjustment to meet individual needs.

reshape for

Focuses on altering the shape or structure to fit a specific requirement.

revise for

Implies a more formal or structured change, like in writing or design.

remodel for

Indicates a structural or fundamental alteration for a new function.

convert for

Suggests changing something into a different form or system for a particular purpose.

refashion for

Implies changing the style or design to suit a new purpose or trend.

transform to

Emphasizes a significant change in form or appearance to meet a new purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "modify to" to indicate that something is being changed or adapted for a specific purpose. For example, "The program was "modified to" include new features."

What is a synonym for "modify to"?

Synonyms for "modify to" include "adapt to", "adjust to", or "change to", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "modify to" or "modify for"?

Both "modify to" and "modify for" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Modify to" implies changing something so that it becomes something else, while "modify for" suggests altering something to suit a specific purpose. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Can "modify to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "modify to" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe the process of making alterations or adjustments.