alterarla

Alterarla is a Spanish verbal expression formed by the verb alterar and the feminine direct object pronoun la. It translates as “to alter it” and is used when the object of alteration is feminine in gender. The base verb alterar comes from Latin alterare, meaning to change or modify. In Spanish, clitic pronouns like la attach to infinitives and gerunds or appear before conjugated verbs, giving forms such as alterarla, está alterándola, la quiero alterar, or quiero alterarla.

Usage notes: The pronoun la must agree in gender and number with the noun it replaces. If the object is masculine, the corresponding pronoun would be lo: alterarlo. The pronoun can attach to the infinitive or present participle (alterándola), or appear between a conjugated verb and other elements, as in “No la alteres” or “La voy a alterar.” In some contexts, alterar can carry a sense of tampering or distorting, especially relating to documents or evidence, where it may imply illegality or unethical action.

Examples: “Necesito alterarla para cumplir las especificaciones” (I need to alter it to meet the specifications). “Voy a alterarla” (I’m going to alter it). “La están alterando” (They are altering it). “No la alteres sin permiso” (Do not alter it without permission).

See also: alteración (noun for alteration), alterable (adjective meaning changeable), tampering, modification.