substantially change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant alterations or modifications to something, indicating that the change is considerable in nature. Example: "The new policy will substantially change the way we approach customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Changing these assumptions did not substantially change the results.

British Journal of Cancer

Renegotiating the contract could "substantially change" Paraguay's economy, he said.

The New York Times

Adjustment for smoking did not substantially change this estimate.

International Congress Series

New political currents can develop late and substantially change the dynamics of an election.

The New York Times

The former, after all, seeks to safeguard and advance modern capitalism rather than substantially change it.

The Guardian

Freddie Mac also said yesterday that it would substantially change the way it reports its results.

The New York Times

Answering "there is" to either of those questions could substantially change our lives.

Harvard University

If conditions of supply substantially change, any party can apply for modification of the decree.

Cornell University

Mutations in these parts of the genome can substantially change the way the organism is built.

University of California, Berkeley

If they substantially change, the decree can be adjusted to meet the new conditions.

Cornell University

But to Oracle, the award will not substantially change its fortunes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially change", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being changed and the extent of the alteration. Providing specific details about the nature and impact of the change will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially change" when the alteration is minor or superficial. Ensure the modification is genuinely significant to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially change" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action that results in a significant alteration. According to Ludwig, it is often used to indicate a considerable modification or transformation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially change" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes a significant alteration or modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While alternatives like "significantly alter" or "considerably modify" exist, choosing "substantially change" effectively conveys the magnitude of the transformation. Remember to use it when the alteration is genuinely significant, avoiding overstatement. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources further underscores its reliability and appropriateness for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significantly alter

Focuses on the act of altering something to a notable extent.

Considerably modify

Emphasizes the degree of modification as being substantial.

Greatly transform

Suggests a major shift in form or appearance.

Radically overhaul

Indicates a complete and fundamental change.

Fundamentally reshape

Implies altering the core structure or nature of something.

Dramatically convert

Highlights a sudden and striking change.

Noticeably adjust

Focuses on alterations that are easily observed or recognized.

Essentially revise

Emphasizes a deep and necessary correction or improvement.

Materially affect

Indicates a change that has a significant impact or consequence.

Vastly remodel

Suggests extensive changes to the structure or design.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially change" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially change" to describe a significant alteration to something. For example, "The new policy will substantially change the way we handle customer complaints."

What are some alternatives to "substantially change"?

Alternatives include phrases like "significantly alter", "considerably modify", or "greatly transform", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "substantially change" or "significantly change"?

Both "substantially change" and "significantly change" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, as they convey a similar degree of impact.

What's the difference between "substantially change" and "slightly change"?

"Substantially change" indicates a major or considerable alteration, whereas "slightly change" suggests a minor or insignificant modification. The key difference lies in the degree of impact the change has.