Meaning & use
modified
Last updated
“modified” is a form of “modify”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Changed something slightly, usually to improve it or make it more suitable.
Grammar: Takes an object: 'They modified the design.' The past participle is used in passive sentences: 'The design was modified.'
Patterns
- modify something
- modify something for someone
- be modified by something
The engineers modified the engine to use less fuel.
She modified her recipe by adding less sugar.
The software was modified to work on older computers.
adjectivebefore a noun
Changed from the original form, often for a particular purpose.
Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: 'a modified version'. It can also follow a linking verb: 'The car is modified.'
Patterns
- a modified version
- genetically modified food
- heavily modified
They drove a modified car with a louder engine.
The teacher handed out a modified test for the younger students.
This is a genetically modified crop that resists insects.
verbtransitivetechnicalspecialist
In grammar, a word that describes or limits another word.
Grammar: Used in grammar: 'Adverbs modify verbs.'
Patterns
- modify a noun
- modify a verb
- be modified by an adverb
In 'a very small house', the adverb 'very' modifies the adjective 'small'.
Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs or adjectives.
The phrase is modified by a prepositional phrase.
Word forms
| third person singular | modifies |
|---|---|
| past tense | modified |
| past participle | modified |
| -ing form | modifying |
Common combinations
- genetically modified
- Many people avoid genetically modified foods.
- a modified version
- She sent me a modified version of the report.
- heavily modified
- The building was heavily modified over the years.
- modify your behavior
- He modified his behavior after the warning.
- modify the terms
- The bank agreed to modify the terms of the loan.
Synonyms and how they differ
- altered
- Very close in meaning, but 'altered' often suggests a change in appearance or nature, while 'modified' suggests a careful change for a purpose.
- adjusted
- This means changed slightly to fit a situation, and is common with settings or amounts, whereas 'modified' is broader.
- changed
- This is the general word for becoming different; 'modified' is more specific and usually implies a deliberate, limited change.
Opposites
Word family
- modify verb
- The base form: to change something slightly.
- modification noun
- A change that is made to something.
- modifier noun
- A word that describes another word, or a person who makes changes.
Commonly confused: modified or modulate?
modified vs modulate
This means to change the strength or tone of something, especially sound or signals, not to alter a design or plan.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'Modify' is transitive and needs an object: 'modified its products' is correct. Option 0 uses 'to' incorrectly, option 1 means the company changed the rules themselves, and option 3 mixes 'was' with a past tense verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “modified”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.