change

USAGE SUMMARY

"change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a transformation or alteration, either physical or metaphorical. Example sentence: "The changes in the political landscape have shifted the balance of power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plus ça change.

The New York Times

I wanted to give society a chance to determine if it should change itself.

The Guardian

She added: "This is further evidence that Paterson's unwillingness to accept the science on climate change is leading him to make the wrong choices on spending cuts within his department".

The Guardian

On average passengers are now paying £600 more for a season ticket and yet seeing no change in their pay packets".

The Guardian

This may be about to change.

The New York Times

Why the change of heart?

The New York Times

This has to change".

The New York Times

But this will change".

The Guardian

Things can change.

The New York Times

People want change.

The Guardian

We have to change that".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "change" as a verb, ensure clarity regarding what is being changed and the resulting state. For example, instead of saying "We need to change," specify "We need to change our approach to marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "change" with uncountable nouns in a way that implies a countable alteration. For instance, instead of saying "a change in climate", use "climate change" or "a shift in the climate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "change" is as both a verb, indicating the act of becoming different, and a noun, referring to the process or result of becoming different. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, as showcased in many example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "change" functions effectively as both a verb and a noun, indicating transformation, alteration, or modification across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis, coupled with numerous examples, underscores its versatility and correctness in written English. It's crucial to specify what is being changed for clarity and to avoid misusing it with uncountable nouns. As evidenced by its frequent appearance in high-quality news sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, mastering the nuances of "change" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make alterations

Focuses on the act of making specific changes or adjustments.

undergo transformation

Emphasizes a complete and significant change in form or nature.

experience modification

Highlights the process of being modified or altered.

shift direction

Implies a change in course or focus.

adjust strategy

Refers to adapting or modifying a plan or approach.

revise approach

Indicates a careful review and alteration of a method.

modify parameters

Suggests adjusting specific settings or limits.

transform outlook

Focuses on changing one's perspective or viewpoint.

alter perception

Implies a change in how something is understood or viewed.

convert process

Suggests a fundamental change in a method or system.

FAQs

How can I use "change" in a sentence?

You can use "change" as a verb to indicate becoming different, like in "The leaves change color in the fall", or as a noun to refer to the act of becoming different, as in "We need change in this company".

What are some alternatives to the word "change"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "alter", "modify", "transform", or "adjust".

Is it correct to say "a change in" or "change of"?

Both "a change in" and "change of" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "A change in" is used to describe a modification within something (e.g. a change in policy), while "change of" is used to indicate a replacement or substitution (e.g. a change of clothes).

How does "change" differ from "alteration"?

"Change" is a more general term for becoming different, while "alteration" usually implies a smaller, more specific modification. You might "change" your entire career path, but make "alterations" to a garment.