the altering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the altering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making changes or modifications to something. Example: "The altering of the document was necessary to reflect the new policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To the companies involved in selling these altered versions -- or software that does the altering for you -- the question is one of consumer choice.

The New York Times

But most crucial is the altering of his motivation.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a true artiste, visit Dayse Maia for the altering of eyebrows, lashes and lips.

The New York Times - Style

This does not involve the altering or insertion of genes that takes place with controversial genetic modification.

The Guardian

The Queen's constancy and longevity have gained her great respect across the world – as has her willingness to understand the altering mores of her country.

The Guardian

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has refused to investigate the altering of Hansard by Barnaby Joyce's office, saying the "case is now closed".

The Guardian

"Then she asked me if she could see the messages," Ms. Armstrong said, testifying that it was then that the altering took place.

The New York Times

Relying heavily on Hal Charney, chief of computer support services, Mr. Stancik said, Ms. Lazar directed the altering of attendance sheets submitted by teachers.

The New York Times

It concluded that Propst may have helped engineer the altering of a player's grade and encouraged teachers to grant preferential treatment to athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

Most Democrats voted against the bill, with many raising objections to the new provisions and the altering of Civil Service rules.

The New York Times

Psychopharmacology is very much with us and the altering of states of feeling by controlled use of drugs ought to be accepted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the altering" when you want to emphasize the process of changing something, rather than just the final result. For instance, "the altering of the landscape" highlights the ongoing transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "the altering" in simple sentences where a more direct verb or noun would be clearer and more concise. Instead of "the altering of the schedule," consider "changing the schedule."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the altering" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the process of making changes. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the altering" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun and refers to the process of change or modification. While versatile, it is most common in scientific and news contexts, leaning towards a neutral to formal register. For clarity, consider direct alternatives like "the modification" or "the change" in simpler sentences. Utilizing "the altering" effectively involves emphasizing the process of transformation itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the modification

Focuses on the result of the change rather than the process itself.

the adjustment

Implies a fine-tuning or adaptation to a new situation.

the transformation

Suggests a more fundamental or dramatic change.

the conversion

Indicates a change from one form or state to another.

the revision

Emphasizes the act of correcting or improving something.

the amendment

Highlights a formal or legal change to a document or law.

the adaptation

Focuses on the process of becoming suitable to a new environment.

the reshaping

Implies a change in the form or structure of something.

the refining

Suggests a process of purification or improvement.

the varying

Focuses on introducing diversity or differences.

FAQs

How can I use "the altering" in a sentence?

"The altering" is often used to describe a process of change or modification. For example, "The scientist observed "the altering of" the DNA sequence under different conditions."

What are some alternatives to "the altering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the modification", "the adjustment", or "the transformation".

Is it correct to say "altering of" or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "altering of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Other prepositions might work depending on the specific context, but "of" is generally appropriate.

What's the difference between "the altering" and "altering"?

"The altering" refers to a specific instance or process of change, acting as a noun phrase. "Altering", without "the", functions as a gerund or present participle, describing the act of changing in a more general sense.