tinker with

USAGE SUMMARY

'tinker with' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is an informal way of saying that someone is trying to fix or improve something that is not working correctly. For example, "I spent all night trying to tinker with my computer so that I could finally finish my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But tinker with the propaganda?

The New York Times - Sports

Why tinker with it?

The New York Times - Arts

This is to tinker with cloud cover.

The Economist

"I'll tinker with him tonight," Woodson said.

The New York Times

They tinker with uniforms to create intrigue.

The New York Times - Sports

No time to tinker with '68 Volvo.

The New Yorker

Tinker with your car's brains?

The Guardian - Tech

But it's hard to tinker with success.

The New Yorker

Here's hoping they don't tinker with that.

The New York Times

But why tinker with the strange mechanism?

The New York Times - Sports

There wasn't a lot to tinker with.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the manipulation of something complex, this phrase is most effective if the level of alteration or repair is minor. Otherwise, consider other stronger words.

Common error

Avoid using "tinker with" in formal or professional writing when a more precise or technical term like "adjust", "modify", or "calibrate" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tinker with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively, requiring an object. It signifies making minor adjustments or attempts to repair or improve something, often in an experimental or playful manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and provides diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Arts

10%

Tech

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tinker with" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe making small adjustments or repairs, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries an informal tone. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid it in highly formal contexts, opting for more precise terms like ""adjust"" or ""modify"". Remember, it suggests a minor, often experimental approach, which distinguishes it from stronger verbs that imply significant alterations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make minor adjustments

Clearly states the small scale of the alterations being made.

Lightly modify

Highlights the minimal and careful nature of the adjustment.

Adjust slightly

Emphasizes a small degree of change or modification.

Fine-tune

Highlights making very precise adjustments for optimal performance.

Adjust

Focuses on making minor changes to improve functionality or performance.

Modify

Implies making changes, often small, to something.

Experiment with

Suggests trying out different changes to see what works best.

Play around with

Indicates casual or exploratory modification.

Meddle with

Suggests interfering or altering something, sometimes with negative implications.

Toy with

Implies handling or adjusting something in a light or playful manner.

FAQs

How can I use "tinker with" in a sentence?

You can use "tinker with" to describe making small adjustments or repairs to something. For instance, "He likes to "tinker with" old cars in his spare time".

What can I say instead of "tinker with"?

Alternatives include "adjust", "modify", or "experiment with", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tinker with" in a formal report?

In formal reports, it's often better to use more precise and professional terms such as "adjust", "modify", or "calibrate". "Tinker with" is more suitable for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "tinker with" and "tamper with"?

"Tinker with" generally implies making small, often experimental adjustments, while "tamper with" suggests making unauthorized or harmful alterations.