Synonyms in Detail: edit and modify Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

edit

Example

I need to edit my essay before submitting it. [edit: verb]

Example

The editor made some changes to the article before publishing it. [editor: noun]

modify

Example

I need to modify my schedule to fit in more study time. [modify: verb]

Example

The engineer modified the design to improve its efficiency. [modified: past tense]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Edit is more commonly used than modify in the context of writing and publishing. Modify is more commonly used in technical fields, such as engineering and design.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between edit and modify?

Edit is generally considered more formal than modify, which is more commonly used in everyday language and informal contexts.