modify
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
to make small changes to something in order to improve it, make it less extreme, or adapt it to a new purpose.
In grammar, to qualify the meaning of another word (as an adjective modifies a noun). In biology and technology, to change the structure or function of an organism or system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies partial or minor change rather than complete transformation. Often used with plans, behaviour, equipment, or documents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and grammar rules are consistent. The noun form 'modification' is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more common in technical or formal contexts in both.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English corpora, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] (transitive)[VN] to-inf (e.g., The software was modified to run faster.)[VN] (with adverb/preposition, e.g., modify for a purpose)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To change the terms of a contract or the specifications of a product.
Academic
To qualify a statement or theory; in linguistics, to describe how one word affects another.
Everyday
To change plans, behaviour, or household items to suit new needs.
Technical
To alter the code of a program, the design of a machine, or the genes of an organism.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We had to modify our travel plans due to the rail strike.
- The engine was modified for better fuel efficiency.
American English
- We need to modify the proposal before the client sees it.
- He modified his car with a new exhaust system.
adverb
British English
- The document is modifiably stored in the cloud.
- The system works modifiably for different users.
American English
- The parameters can be set modifiably.
- The code is written modifiably for future updates.
adjective
British English
- The modifiable settings are in the advanced menu.
- This is a modifiable version of the document.
American English
- The software has a modifiable interface.
- We offer a modifiable contract template.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you modify this dress to make it shorter?
- I modified my recipe and used less sugar.
- The teacher asked us to modify our essays before submitting them.
- The company will modify its policy after customer complaints.
- The government was forced to modify its stance on the environmental issue.
- Genetically modified crops are a controversial topic.
- The architect modified the original design to comply with new safety regulations.
- The treaty was subtly modified during negotiations to gain broader support.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MODern IFY (I Fabricate You) – you modernise or fabricate a small change.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS MOVEMENT (e.g., 'move away from the original'), ADJUSTMENT IS SHAPING (e.g., 'shape to fit').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'modify' for major changes; Russian 'модифицировать' can imply a more substantial alteration. For simple changes, use 'change' or 'adjust'.
- Do not confuse with 'modernise' ('модернизировать'); 'modify' does not necessarily imply making something new or contemporary.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'modify' without an object (incorrect: 'The plan needs to modify.' Correct: 'The plan needs to be modified.').
- Confusing 'modify' with 'rectify' or 'correct'; modification is not necessarily a fix for an error.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'modify' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Modify' usually implies a partial or minor change, often for improvement or adaptation, while 'change' can be total or minor.
Yes. In grammar, an adjective modifies a noun, meaning it describes or qualifies it.
The most common noun form is 'modification' (e.g., 'They made several modifications to the plan').
It is more common to use 'modify to become' or 'modify so that it becomes'. The structure 'modify into' is less frequent but can be used in technical contexts (e.g., 'The data was modified into a readable format').