to modify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to modify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or adjustments made to something, such as a document, design, or behavior. Example: "The team decided to modify the original plan to better suit the project's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most want to modify it".

The New York Times

So we have to modify the kid".

The New York Times - Health

I don't want to modify it.

The New York Times

"We had to modify things back then.

The New Yorker

There's no noun for "calling" to modify.

The New York Times

"I've constantly been told to modify myself," she says.

The Guardian

But then the salt begins to modify the meat.

The New York Times - Food

Will you continue to modify what you do?

The Guardian

And the family had to modify their eating habits slightly.

The New York Times

We think they're a beautiful way to modify the body.

The New York Times

In other words, first impressions have been difficult to modify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes to digital data or software, "to modify" is often preferred over "to change" to highlight the technical aspect.

Common error

While "to modify" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "to adjust", "to alter", or "to adapt" depending on the context to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to modify" functions primarily as a verbal, often serving as part of a larger verb phrase. It commonly appears as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason for an action, or as a complement to other verbs. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Huffington Post

5%

TechCrunch

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to modify" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, from News & Media to Scientific writing. While synonyms like "to alter" or "to adjust" offer nuanced alternatives, "to modify" remains a solid choice for conveying the act of making partial changes. Its usage patterns reveal its prevalence in diverse sources, underscoring its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to alter

Focuses on changing the form or character of something, sometimes implying a more significant change.

to adjust

Implies making small changes to achieve a better fit or result.

to adapt

Suggests changing something to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation.

to amend

Specifically refers to making formal corrections or improvements to a document or law.

to revise

Indicates a more thorough review and alteration, often with the aim of improving quality.

to reshape

Suggests a significant change in the form or structure of something.

to refine

Implies making subtle improvements to something already good.

to tweak

Means to make small, often experimental adjustments.

to transform

Indicates a dramatic change in appearance or character.

to convert

Suggests changing something into a different form or function.

FAQs

How can I use "to modify" in a sentence?

You can use "to modify" to describe the act of making changes to something, like "The software allows users "to modify" their settings".

What are some alternatives to "to modify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to alter", "to adjust", or "to adapt".

When is it appropriate to use "to modify" instead of "to change"?

"To modify" suggests a partial or limited change, while "to change" can imply a complete transformation. Use "to modify" when the original form or function is partially retained.

Is "to modify" formal or informal?

"To modify" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise synonyms if appropriate.