change from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'change from' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a transition from one thing to another, as in the following example sentence: I changed from studying physics to studying computer science.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But change from what?

Independent

Argentina needs change from Kirchnerism".

Independent

Is this a change from previous policies?

Independent

It sure makes a change from schnitzels.

The New Yorker

It can change from week to week.

The New York Times - Sports

"This could change from minute to minute".

The New York Times

Soil conditions change from south to north.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's quite a change from last week.

The New York Times

It was a change from his past.

The New York Times - Sports

Makes a change from the cynicism".

The Guardian

Tile glazes change from lot to lot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change from" to clearly indicate a shift or difference between two states or conditions. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being changed and what it is being changed from.

Common error

Avoid using "change from" when you actually mean "change to". "Change from" indicates the original state, while "change to" indicates the new state. For example, "I changed from studying physics to computer science" is correct, whereas "I changed from studying physics to studying physics" makes no sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a transformation or shift. As supported by Ludwig, it highlights the initial state before a change occurs. It is typically followed by the original state or condition that is being altered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "change from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a transition or alteration from one state, condition, or activity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. With numerous examples across diverse fields such as news, science, and business, the phrase's purpose is to specify the initial state before a transformation occurs, providing context and clarity. While alternatives like "shift away from" or "transition from" exist, "change from" remains a straightforward and commonly used option. A key point to remember is the distinction between "change from" and "change to"; the former indicates the original state, while the latter specifies the new one. In short, understanding the nuances of "change from" ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift away from

Emphasizes a movement or departure from the original state.

transition from

Highlights the process of moving from one state or condition to another.

diverge from

Implies a deviation or branching off from a particular path or standard.

move away from

Suggests a deliberate distancing or separation from something.

differ from

Focuses on the aspects in which two things are not the same.

vary from

Indicates a range of differences or inconsistencies.

depart from

Implies a formal or significant deviation from a norm or expectation.

evolve from

Suggests a gradual development or transformation from an earlier state.

convert from

Implies a change from one form or system to another.

revert from

Indicates a change back from a more recent state to a previous one.

FAQs

How do I properly use "change from" in a sentence?

Use "change from" to express a transition or alteration from a prior state or condition to a new one. For example, "The weather can "change from sunny to rainy" in a matter of hours."

What are some alternatives to using "change from"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives such as "shift away from", "transition from", or "diverge from".

What is the difference between "change from" and "change to"?

"Change from" indicates the initial state, while "change to" indicates the resulting state after the change. For instance, "The company "changed from manufacturing to service"."

Is it correct to say "a change of" instead of "change from"?

While both are related to the idea of modification, "a change of" typically refers to a noun, such as "a change of plans". "Change from" describes the movement between two states, for example, "a change from summer to autumn".