ENGLISH
REFERENCE

altering

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɔɫtɝɪŋ// UK //ˈɒltəɹɪŋ// al·ter·ing

v. to change something slightly, such as a piece of clothing or a plan. You use this when the thing stays the same but looks or works a bit differently.

v. to make a change in character or composition, typically a small but significant one. Often used in the context of tailoring garments or modifying existing plans.


SIMPLE

She is altering her dress to make it fit better.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect is currently altering the building plans to include a larger garden area for the residents.

COMPLEX

By altering the chemical structure of the compound, the researchers were able to increase its stability without compromising its effectiveness in the trial.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

Pitfall

altering to the planaltering the planAlter is a transitive verb; it does not take a preposition before the object.

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