what was altered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was altered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes or modifications that have been made to something, such as a document, process, or object. Example: "In the final report, please highlight what was altered from the original draft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You can't really tell what was altered from what was there naturally".

The New York Times - Magazine

One wonders what was altered or abridged, but Turner's voice straightforward and calm, stoic and unrepentant is too strange to have been wholly invented.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

- What is altered in the body cells that makes chronic alcoholics so dependent on alcohol that, without it, they develop the shakes, delirium tremens and other problems?

The New York Times - Science

There might be content that is not exploited in action; what is altered is just the readiness to act.

Biology and Philosophy

To reveal what were altered by the Ca2+ stimuli, we examined cellular processes directly related to the movement in the population level: cell cell adhesion, cell division, and cell growth.

Biology Open

As admirable and honorable as his service was, we do not know to what extent he was altered by brainwashing or torture.

The New York Times

The designer is showing prospective buyers what can be altered and what would be more difficult to change at this juncture.

The New York Times

His deputy, Florent Richard, showed visitors to the palace thick books of architectural drawings and renovation appraisals that describe the original structure of each door, window, floor, ceiling, fresco and piece of hardware, as well as what has been altered and what various restorers propose to do now.

The New York Times

In another instance, the question; "Is Sybil Vane your mistress ?" was altered to "What are your relations with Sibyl Vane ?" – one of three references to Gray's "mistresses" that were cut by the editor.

The Guardian - Books

The expression of another HOX gene, which helps specify what tissue sprouts a forelimb, was altered in the outer layer of cells in the python embryo.

Science Magazine

It was a good thing because it opened new possibilities of what could be altered or legitimated within contemporary Christianity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what was altered", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referred to and the nature of the alteration. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what was altered" without providing sufficient context. Readers may not understand what specifically underwent changes. Always clarify the subject of the alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was altered" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the specific elements or aspects that have undergone a change or modification. Ludwig AI provides several examples demonstrating its correct grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what was altered" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to refer to specific changes made to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts including News & Media, Science, and general writing. While simpler alternatives like "what changed" exist, "what was altered" is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, offering a versatile option for expressing modifications. Be mindful to provide sufficient context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. When selecting this expression is important to have in mind its communicative purpose which is to identify and highlight the specific changes. It is a neutral expression but leans to professional ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what changed

This alternative is more direct and simpler, focusing on the fact of change.

what was modified

This alternative suggests a less drastic change, implying adjustments rather than complete transformations.

what underwent alteration

This is a more formal and passive way of saying the same thing, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

what had been changed

This emphasizes that the change happened in the past, prior to a specific point of reference.

the modifications made

This phrase focuses on the modifications themselves rather than the act of altering.

what experienced a change

This alternative highlights the thing that underwent the change.

what saw alteration

This is a more literary or figurative way of expressing the idea.

the alterations implemented

This highlights the implementation or execution of the changes.

what became different

Focuses on the resulting difference after the change.

what was reformed

This suggests a more significant and structured change, often with a positive connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "what was altered" in a sentence?

You can use "what was altered" to refer to specific changes made to something. For example: "The report detailed "what was altered" in the new version".

What's a simpler way to say "what was altered"?

A simpler way to express the same idea is to use phrases like "what changed" or "what was modified".

What is the difference between "what was altered" and "what was modified"?

"What was altered" implies a more significant change, while "what was modified" suggests a slight adjustment or refinement. The best choice depends on the degree of change you want to convey.

Is "what was altered" formal or informal?

"What was altered" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, phrases like "what changed" might be preferred.