modifying the environment

USAGE SUMMARY

"modifying the environment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe the effects of something on the environment, for example: "The construction of the new highway has had a major impact on the surrounding area, modifying the environment in many ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Drought can also promote plant invasion indirectly by modifying the environment to favor nonnative species.

The Guardian

Later, as they became more adept at modifying the environment to suit their needs, they spread to Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Britannica

As such, L. flavus is an important ecosystem engineer, and by modifying the environment they may affect other organisms.

European Journal of Soil Biology

Ambient Intelligence systems are typically characterized by the use of pervasive equipment for monitoring and modifying the environment according to users' needs, and to globally defined constraints.

Pervasive and Mobile Computing

Modifying the environment by using everything from shovels and plows to plant-derived pesticides may be as important as mosquito nets and vaccinations in the fight against malaria, according to a computerized analysis by MIT researchers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The epidemiologist, who utilizes many scientific disciplines (e.g., medicine, zoology, mathematics, anthropology), attempts to determine the types of diseases that exist in a specific geographical area and to control them by modifying the environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Allow the User to modify the environment.

Harvard University

People change or modify the environment for better or worse.

The New York Times

Humans have sometimes inadvertently modified the environment in ways that have increased the spread of infection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Humans can thus innovate and consciously modify the environment in a way no other species has achieved.

Britannica

"What I would do was to try to modify the environment in such a way as to get man moving in preferred directions".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental policies or actions, use "modifying the environment" to highlight specific intentional changes to the natural world. For example, "Sustainable practices are essential for modifying the environment in a way that benefits future generations."

Common error

Avoid using "modifying the environment" as a euphemism for environmentally damaging activities. Be clear about the intent and consequences of the modifications you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modifying the environment" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the act of changing or altering the natural world. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modifying the environment" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe alterations to the natural world. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts, often in discussions about environmental impact and policy. When using this phrase, it's essential to be clear about the intent and consequences of the modifications being discussed, and to avoid using it as a euphemism for damaging activities. Consider alternatives like "altering the ecosystem" or "transforming the landscape" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altering the ecosystem

Focuses specifically on changes within an ecosystem, rather than broader environmental modifications.

changing environmental conditions

Emphasizes the shift in specific environmental factors like temperature or rainfall.

transforming the landscape

Highlights alterations to the physical features of an area.

impacting the environment

A broader term indicating an effect on the environment, without specifying the type of change.

engineering ecosystems

Implies a deliberate and significant alteration of an ecosystem's structure and function.

reshaping the habitat

Focuses on the alteration of a natural environment where organisms live.

manipulating the surroundings

Suggests a more direct and potentially artificial alteration of the environment.

influencing the natural world

Implies a less direct or controlled effect on the environment.

adapting the environment

Focuses on changing the environment to suit specific needs or purposes.

adjusting the ecosystem

Suggests making smaller, more controlled changes to an ecosystem.

FAQs

How can I use "modifying the environment" in a sentence?

"Modifying the environment" can be used to describe intentional or unintentional changes to the natural world, such as "Humans are increasingly impacting and "modifying the environment" through various activities."

What are some alternatives to "modifying the environment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "altering the ecosystem", "changing environmental conditions", or "transforming the landscape".

Is "modifying the environment" the same as "impacting the environment"?

While related, ""modifying the environment"" implies a more direct and intentional change, whereas "impacting the environment" is a broader term that encompasses both positive and negative effects.

In what contexts is "modifying the environment" commonly used?

"Modifying the environment" is frequently used in scientific, academic, and policy discussions related to ecology, conservation, and environmental management. It's also common in news articles discussing human impact on nature.