significant alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'significant alteration' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a change has been made which is great enough to have a significant impact. For example: The new policy is a significant alteration from the old regulations.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has, however, made one significant alteration.

The Guardian

No significant alteration of activation was noted.

Nature

Another less significant alteration was needed.

The New York Times - Sports

She conceded one significant alteration, beyond the protection of her sexual partners' identities.

The New York Times

There was no significant alteration in cellular compositions detectable between control and ERU group (Fig. 3C).

Nature

The commission imposes stringent regulations that curtail or prohibit significant alteration of the architectural features of landmarks.

The New York Times

freezing -- To preserve an organism without any significant alteration to its chemical composition by subjecting it to freezing temperatures.

University of California, Berkeley

We observe significant alteration of the interface morphology due to the leaching of the LC phase.

Polymer

It had been five days since they last played, and for this round, the Rockies made a singular if significant alteration.

The New York Times

Over the next several years Ms. Simpson revisited and elaborated this format, with one significant alteration: she used only women as models.

The New York Times - Arts

He has worked with the pitching coach, Mel Stottlemyre, apparently making a significant alteration to his delivery to keep him from telegraphing his pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, use "significant alteration" to convey that the change is noteworthy and impactful, rather than minor or superficial.

Common error

While "significant alteration" is appropriate for impactful changes, avoid using it when a simpler term like "change" or "modification" would suffice for minor adjustments. Overuse can make writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant alteration" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "alteration". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a change that is great enough to have a substantial impact. Examples show it's used in scientific, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

30%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant alteration" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a noteworthy and impactful change. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively communicates that the change is not minor. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal and objective tone. When writing, consider using ""significant alteration"" to emphasize the importance of a modification. However, avoid overuse in contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Alternatives such as "major modification" or "substantial change" can be used for variety. The phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources confirms its reliability and communicative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major modification

Focuses on the act of changing something, emphasizing its scale.

substantial change

Emphasizes the magnitude and importance of the change.

considerable adjustment

Highlights the act of making something suitable or compatible, with a large scale.

marked difference

Highlights the resulting dissimilarity after the change.

notable variation

Emphasizes the difference or deviation from a standard.

radical transformation

Emphasizes a fundamental and dramatic shift.

extensive revision

Highlights a thorough and comprehensive modification.

serious adjustment

Highlights the importance of the adjustment.

profound shift

Emphasizes the depth and impact of the change.

sweeping change

Emphasizes the wide-ranging and comprehensive nature of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "significant alteration" in a sentence?

You can use "significant alteration" to describe a change that is important or noticeable. For example: "The new policy represents a "significant alteration" to the previous regulations."

What are some alternatives to "significant alteration"?

Some alternatives include "major modification", "substantial change", or "considerable adjustment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Check the related phrases section for more options.

Is it better to use "significant change" or "significant alteration"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "significant alteration" is often used when referring to a specific change or modification that has been made. "Significant change" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "slight alteration" and "significant alteration"?

"Slight alteration" refers to a minor change, while ""significant alteration"" indicates a change that is considerable and impactful.