that might alter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that might alter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential changes or modifications to a situation, plan, or outcome. Example: "We need to consider any factors that might alter our decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What did it mean to put them through a radical operation that might alter their identity in unknown ways?

The New Yorker

I wondered if she might have an eating disorder that might alter her perception of her weight.

The New York Times

"Sometimes the lies appear on its front page, in a way that might alter a reader's view of Muslims," Brooker had complained.

The Guardian

The other thing that might alter the proposition, of course, would be if customers were prepared to pay more for a flight powered by old chip fat.

The Economist

October has arrived, and with it, the specter of an "October Surprise" that might alter the political trajectory of the presidential campaign at the last minute.

The New York Times

His values reflect those embraced by his home county, Marin, including a reverence for natural landscapes and functioning farmland — and an antipathy toward development that might alter them.

The New York Times

There's a bigger Brexit to be discussed, one that might alter the fundamental outlook of the UK on an even more profound level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Soon afterward, the chancellor is supposed to hold public hearings where groups specified in the law can raise concerns that might alter the closure plan.

The New York Times

In exchange, they accepted limitations on Basque nationalist aspirations, including the right to hold a referendum that might alter the status of the Basque provinces as integral parts of Spain.

The New Yorker

Whether he's dealing with hillbilly marginalia or medieval arcana, Tosches has always sought the mysterium, excavating for that hidden primal fact that might alter one's consciousness like a drug.

The New York Times - Books

And while it seemed odd that a half-inch could stand between obscurity and a job that might alter a young model's life, Mr. Yiapanis insisted on a casting that was uniform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that might alter", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered and the potential consequences of that alteration.

Common error

Avoid using "that might alter" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader understands what the "that" refers to, preventing ambiguity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that might alter" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-defining relative clause providing additional information about a preceding noun or noun phrase. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English and introduces potential changes or modifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that might alter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used relative clause that introduces a potential change or modification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is readily usable in written English and is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the "that" refers to and the potential consequences of the change. If you need alternatives, consider phrases like "that could modify" or "that may transform", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could modify

Replaces "might" with "could" and "alter" with "modify", suggesting a possibility of change.

that may transform

Substitutes "might alter" with "may transform", implying a significant change in form or nature.

that can reshape

Replaces "might alter" with "can reshape", suggesting the ability to change the form or organization of something.

that potentially revises

Substitutes "might alter" with "potentially revises", implying a possible correction or improvement.

that has the capacity to shift

Replaces "might alter" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the potential for a change in position or direction.

that is liable to adjust

Replaces "might alter" with "is liable to adjust", indicating a probability of change to achieve accuracy or conformity.

that is capable of influencing

Replaces the entire phrase with a focus on influence, suggesting an indirect effect on the outcome.

that could have an impact on

Shifts the focus to the impact or effect of the change, rather than the act of altering itself.

with the potential to adjust

Rephrases to emphasize the inherent potential to make adjustments.

likely to bring about changes in

Expands to clearly state the likelihood of causing changes within a specified area.

FAQs

How can I use "that might alter" in a sentence?

You can use "that might alter" to introduce a clause describing a factor that could potentially change something. For example, "We must consider any new information "that might alter" our initial assessment."

What are some alternatives to "that might alter"?

Some alternatives include "that could modify", "that may transform", or "that can reshape", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that might alter" or "that will alter"?

"That might alter" suggests a possibility or potential change, while "that will alter" indicates a certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of certainty in your statement.

What is the difference between "that might alter" and "that could affect"?

"That might alter" implies a direct change or modification, while "that could affect" suggests a broader influence that may not necessarily result in a complete change. The choice depends on the specific impact you want to emphasize.