transformative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'transformative' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or process that has undergone a significant transformation or change. For example: "The transformative power of technology has revolutionized the way people work and live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much as the car and the clock did in their time, so today the smartphone is poised to enrich lives, reshape entire industries and transform societies and in ways that Snapchatting teenagers cannot begin to imagine.Phono sapiensThe transformative power of smartphones comes from their size and connectivity.

The Economist

"The secret service would be best served by a transformative and dynamic leader from outside the agency," he concluded, describing such a leader as "someone with a fresh perspective, free from allegiances and without ties to what has consistently been described as a 'good old boys network'".

The Guardian

Carroll said a papal visit to the border would be a "transformative event" that might change minds of certain U.S. residents on the issue of immigration.

The Guardian

"Audioboo is a transformative step in allowing radio stations to become even closer to their listeners, and I look forward to working together with their inspirational team and the brightest brains in radio".

The Guardian

Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot – or will not.

The Guardian

"There are stories, energies and engagement in a local community which can have an almost transformative effect," says Kristoffer Lindhardt Weiss, a Danish critic who advises on city planning and co-authored the book The New Wave in Danish Architecture.

The Guardian

Equally, more grants to support the creation of apprenticeships and constraining the growth of energy bills for heavy energy users are the industrial equivalent of apple pie and motherhood – a matter of little controversy and useful at the margin, but hardly transformative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once the budget games are over, Morrison should begin to have an open, honest and rational discussion with the nation about the family home and the transformative role it could play in fixing the aged pension and improving the lives of older Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

During this transformative masterclass, photographer Anthony Epes will not only help you fine-tune your skills, he'll teach you how to see the world from a new, more appreciative perspective.

The Guardian

The focus of the talks – which bring together heads of state, ministers, NGOs and scientists – is "scaling up and financing inclusive agribusiness through transformative public private partnerships".

The Guardian

It will be a life-changing, transformative experience and the opportunities that arise from being part of an academic community are huge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "transformative" to describe changes that go beyond mere adjustments; reserve it for shifts that alter the fundamental nature or function of something.

Common error

Avoid using "transformative" to describe incremental improvements or minor adjustments. Save it for instances where the change is fundamental and far-reaching, not simply a slight modification.

Linguistic Context

The word "transformative" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they cause or are characterized by significant change. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a capacity to alter fundamentally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "transformative" is a powerful descriptor, indicating the capacity to cause significant change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, as evidenced by the numerous examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist. While it can be applied across a range of contexts, it's best reserved for situations where the change is fundamental and far-reaching, rather than minor. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "revolutionary" or "groundbreaking" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Revolutionary

Indicates a sudden and fundamental change, implying a complete departure from the previous state.

Groundbreaking

Suggests pioneering work or innovation that opens up new possibilities and directions.

Life-changing

Focuses on the profound impact on an individual's existence, often associated with personal growth or realization.

Substantial

Emphasizes the magnitude and importance of the change, highlighting its impact on a larger scale.

Radical

Indicates a fundamental and far-reaching change, often associated with social or political movements.

Pivotal

Highlights the decisive and critical nature of a change, suggesting it marks a turning point in a process or situation.

Fundamental

Emphasizes the core and essential nature of the change, affecting the very foundations of something.

Far-reaching

Focuses on the broad and extensive impact of the change, affecting many different areas or aspects.

Overhaul

Suggests a complete and thorough renovation or reconstruction, often associated with systems or processes.

Game-changing

Highlights the innovative and disruptive nature of a change, altering the dynamics of a particular field or industry.

FAQs

How to use "transformative" in a sentence?

You can use "transformative" to describe something that causes a significant change or alteration. For example, "The new technology had a transformative effect on the industry".

What can I say instead of "transformative"?

You can use alternatives like "revolutionary", "groundbreaking", or "life-changing" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "transformative" and "transitional"?

"Transformative" implies a fundamental and lasting change, while "transitional" refers to a change that is temporary or serves as a bridge between two states. Consider which term best reflects the permanence and depth of the change you're describing.

Is "transformative" a formal or informal word?

"Transformative" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in more professional or academic writing due to its descriptive power and emphasis on significant change.