want to modify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "want to modify" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when discussing making changes or alterations to something. Example: "I want to modify my essay before submitting it for grading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most want to modify it".

The New York Times

I don't want to modify it.

The New York Times

"I want to modify the sentence so I can live with it," Baxter said.

The Guardian

As you do that, you do want to modify your mission".

The New Yorker

"We want to modify little bits of cellular machinery that do real things," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Even if you choose a plan carefully, you may want to modify it.

The New York Times

"I want to modify the reality, so I feel like a painter," he said.

The New York Times

The states want to modify that element by extending the duration in either case, but no decision had been made this evening.

The New York Times

If you want to modify an app's behavior and have it stop posting stories to your feed, click the Edit link next to the name of the app.

The New York Times

Chase, for instance, does not want to modify loans of borrowers who are hopelessly behind and would most likely default even with a modification.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you cannot use pesticides or fertilizers, you might at least want to modify your crops so they are more resilient and plentiful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "want to modify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified and the intended outcome. For example, "I want to modify the code to improve performance."

Common error

Avoid using "want to modify" without specifying the purpose of the modification. For instance, instead of saying "I want to modify it", clarify with "I want to modify it to make it more user-friendly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "want to modify" functions as a verb phrase expressing intention or desire to make alterations or changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and widely used. It directly conveys a wish to adjust something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "want to modify" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to convey the intention to alter or adjust something. As verified by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While generally neutral in register, being specific about the intended changes ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to alter

Replaces "want" with "wish", implying a desire that is less forceful than a direct intention.

desire to change

Substitutes "modify" with "change", creating a more general term for alteration.

would like to adjust

Uses "would like" for a more polite tone and "adjust" for finer alterations.

aim to revise

Employs "aim" to suggest a specific goal and "revise" for improvements.

intend to adapt

Replaces "modify" with "adapt", focusing on adjusting to different conditions.

plan to amend

Uses "plan" to indicate preparation and "amend" for formal corrections.

seek to refine

Employs "seek" for a deliberate search and "refine" for improvements in precision.

hope to tweak

Substitutes "modify" with "tweak", indicating minor adjustments.

care to edit

Replaces "want" with "care", creating a more gentle form of intention and "edit" for adjustments.

try to improve

Employs "try" to indicate the action may involve difficulty and "improve" for a general benefit.

FAQs

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

You can use "want to modify" to express a desire to change something, for example, "I want to modify the report before submitting it" or "They want to modify the terms of the agreement."

What's the difference between "want to modify" and "want to change"?

"Want to modify" implies making specific adjustments or alterations, while "want to change" is a more general expression for altering something significantly. The choice depends on the extent of the alteration you're referring to.

What can I say instead of "want to modify"?

You can use alternatives like "wish to alter", "desire to change", or "would like to adjust" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "want to modify" or "desire to modify"?

Desire to modify is generally considered more formal than "want to modify", which is suitable for most everyday contexts. However, "want to modify" is still appropriate in many professional settings.