to be altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be altered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is subject to change or modification. Example: "The document is still in draft form and is expected to be altered before the final submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rules were meant to be altered.

The New York Times

Iran's course had to be altered.

The New York Times - Books

The whole system needs to be altered.

The Guardian

The forces just seem too fundamental to be altered easily.

The New Yorker

His features also began to be altered by plastic surgery.

The Guardian - Music

All landmarks were fallen, all maps had to be altered.

The Guardian - Books

Wilson's hat too big when got it and had to be altered.

The New Yorker

But he admitted that the original plans to introduce universal credit had had to be altered.

The Guardian

Laws, on the other hand, would take quite some time to be altered.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's bound to be altered to some extent," Mr. Nickles said.

The New York Times

Mr. Emerson said Alabama's execution procedure was similar to Tennessee's, and thus needed to be altered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be altered", consider the degree of change you want to convey. "Altered" suggests a moderate level of change, so ensure it aligns with the context. For minor tweaks, "adjusted" might be more suitable; for significant transformations, "transformed" could be better.

Common error

Avoid using "to be altered" when the intention is to remove something completely. "Deleted" or "removed" is more appropriate if an element is meant to be taken out, rather than changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be altered" functions primarily as part of a verb phrase, often indicating a state of potential or necessary modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from rules and plans to physical features and scientific pathways.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be altered" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction that indicates something is subject to modification or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's frequently found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While "to be altered" can be used in many situations, consider its specific nuance—a deliberate or specific modification—and choose alternatives like "to be modified" or "to be adjusted" when more precision is needed. Avoid using it when "deleted" or "removed" is a more accurate reflection of the intended action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be modified

Focuses on making specific changes or adjustments to something.

to be changed

A general term for becoming different; less specific than "altered".

to be adjusted

Implies fine-tuning or making small corrections.

to be amended

Suggests formal changes, typically to documents or rules.

to be revised

Indicates a thorough review and correction process.

to be transformed

Emphasizes a complete or dramatic change in form or appearance.

to undergo modification

Highlights the process of something being changed.

to be converted

Implies changing something into a different form or system.

to be reformed

Suggests improving something by removing faults or abuses.

to be reworked

Focuses on reconstructing or reorganizing something.

FAQs

How can I use "to be altered" in a sentence?

You can use "to be altered" to indicate that something is subject to change or modification. For example, "The plans are still preliminary and are likely "to be altered" before the final presentation."

What are some alternatives to "to be altered"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be modified", "to be changed", or "to be adjusted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it better to use "to be changed" instead of "to be altered"?

"To be changed" is a more general term, while "to be altered" suggests a more deliberate or specific modification. Use "to be changed" when the nature of the change is less defined or significant; use "to be altered" when the change involves specific adjustments or modifications.

What's the difference between "to be altered" and "to be revised"?

"To be altered" suggests making changes or modifications, while "to be revised" implies a more comprehensive review and improvement process. "To be revised" typically involves a more thorough examination and correction of errors or omissions.