What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tampering
Example
The athlete was accused of tampering with his drug test results. [tampering: noun]
Example
The security guard caught someone tampering with the lock on the door. [tampering: present participle]
alteration
Example
The tailor made some alterations to my suit to make it fit better. [alterations: noun]
Example
We had to make some alterations to the schedule due to unexpected changes. [alterations: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alteration is more commonly used than tampering in everyday language. Alteration is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as fashion, documents, or schedules. Tampering is less common and is usually associated with illegal or unethical behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tampering and alteration?
Both tampering and alteration can be used in formal or informal contexts, but tampering is more likely to be used in legal or criminal contexts, while alteration is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
