Cool MateHack vs Modify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hack
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)
Modify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: ModifyMost common: Hack
| Hack | Modify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //hæk//🇺🇸 //hæk// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To break into a computer system or to modify something skillfully. | Change something to make it better or different. |
| Example | The security team worked to prevent anyone from trying to hack the database. | You can modify the document by adding new sections. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | hack into a computer, life hack, hack a game, hack someone's account, hack the system | considerably, drastically, extensively, have to, need to, for, highly modified, in a modified form, modified to fit something |
| Antonyms | secure, protect, defend | maintain, preserve, keep |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'hacking' as only illegal activity., Using 'hack' as a noun without clarifying the context., Mixing up 'hack' with 'crack' regarding unauthorized access. | Confusing with 'modification', which is the noun form., Using 'modify' without an object, which is incorrect., Overusing 'modify' instead of synonyms like 'change' or 'adjust' in casual speech. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in tech contexts. Avoid using in formal writing. Can be used positively (creatively) or negatively (illegally). | Use 'modify' when discussing changes to plans, documents, or objects. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, such as academic or business settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Hack vs Modify
What's the difference between Hack and Modify?
Hack: To break into a computer system or to modify something skillfully. Modify: Change something to make it better or different.
Which is more formal: Hack and Modify?
Modify is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Hack and Modify?
Hack is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Hack: The security team worked to prevent anyone from trying to hack the database. Modify: You can modify the document by adding new sections.
Can I use Hack and Modify interchangeably?
Not always. Hack and Modify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.