was modified by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was modified by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been changed or altered by a specific element or factor. Example: "The original document was modified by the editor to improve clarity and coherence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was modified by a speaker to "might possibly be one of her last performances".

The New York Times - Arts

Moreover, the status of the nobility was modified by Peter's Table of Ranks (1722).

Encyclopedia Britannica

ACRS was modified by the Tax Act of 1986 to reduce the impact on federal revenues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Jan . 14 , 1991the flag was modified by order of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This behavior was modified by Ce addition.

Catalysis Today

The landuse map was modified by a field check.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

The oxide sorbent was modified by applying sodium alginate solutions.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The Piper diagram was modified by Davis and Dewiest (1967).

Applied Water Science

The clay was modified by calcination and activated by acid.

Applied Water Science

Constitutive relationship was modified by introducing the coefficient of viscosity.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The final draft was modified by DP, TYT.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was modified by", ensure that the agent or factor causing the modification is clearly identified to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was modified by" without specifying who or what caused the modification. For example, instead of "The design was modified by…", be specific: "The design was modified by the engineering team to improve efficiency."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was modified by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has undergone a change or alteration caused by a specific agent. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was modified by" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to describe alterations or changes made by a specific agent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in scientific literature, news reporting, and encyclopedic entries. While effective, writers should ensure clarity by explicitly stating the agent of modification and consider using active voice for more direct communication. Alternatives like "was altered by" or "was changed by" may offer nuanced meanings depending on the context. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, maintaining objectivity in factual descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was altered by

This alternative emphasizes a change in the original form or nature, similar to modification.

was changed by

This is a general term for alteration, applicable in most contexts where something is made different.

was adapted by

This implies a change to suit new conditions or purposes.

was adjusted by

This suggests a fine-tuning or minor correction to improve functionality or performance.

was influenced by

This highlights the effect of something on the subject, leading to a modification.

was transformed by

This indicates a significant or dramatic change in form or appearance.

was revised by

This suggests a correction or improvement made through careful examination.

was amended by

This indicates a formal or legal alteration, often used in the context of documents or laws.

was updated by

This signifies bringing something current or modern.

was reworked by

This suggests a significant revision or restructuring, often implying a substantial effort.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "was modified by" that emphasizes a slight change?

Consider using alternatives such as "was adjusted by" or "was fine-tuned by" when the change is minor.

How can I rephrase "was modified by" to indicate a more significant alteration?

To indicate a substantial change, you might use "was transformed by" or "was overhauled by".

What is the difference between "was modified by" and "was influenced by"?

"Was modified by" indicates a direct alteration, while "was influenced by" suggests an indirect effect that led to changes. The former is a direct action; the latter is an indirect impact.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing modifications?

While "was modified by" is in passive voice, using active voice (e.g., "The team modified the design") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. However, passive voice is appropriate when you want to emphasize the object that was changed rather than the agent.