changes

USAGE SUMMARY

"changes" is a correct and usable word in written English.
One example sentence is: "The weather has brought some unexpected changes to the forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We may, we may not, decide that it's relevant to put something out there about some of those changes.

The Guardian

While some may say the changes in England have so far only been at the margins, it is the risk of a slippery slope that should cause concern.

The Guardian

Searching for savings at the end of its term in government, Labor said it was indefinitely deferring the already legislated changes because the floating carbon price was forecast to be far lower than originally calculated and families did not need as much compensation.

The Guardian

I've got a great staff who work very hard but we need to make changes and that was evident in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Over at another forum discussing the same topic (some folks are busy out there) there is indeed what appears to be a Google executive posting that recent changes in were "an enforcement of our viewcount policy".

The Guardian - Tech

"But the enthusiasm, the changes, the judging panel is fantastic.

The Guardian

Organisers said on Monday that the protest would not end until Beijing changes its electoral guidelines and Leung Chun-Ying, the city's pro-Beijing chief executive, steps down.

The Guardian

And the constant pursuit of the economic and military advantage and superiority which scientific invention and technology confer is an essential component of a world-view that changes the realities on the ground.

The Guardian

However, they were unable to close a comprehensive deal because of differences between the DUP and pro-Good Friday agreement parties over changes to the political institution.

The Guardian

Demographic changes mean India's appetite for higher education is expanding quickly and providing a source of international postgrad students that the US is exploiting.

The Guardian

A series of pamphlets on the attitudes of swing voters in the South of England (the Southern Discomfort series) paved the way for changes both to policy and electoral strategy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "changes" when referring to multiple instances of alteration, modification, or transformation. Ensure clarity by specifying the type and scope of the changes whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid using "changes" as a vague placeholder. Instead of saying 'There were many changes', specify what changed: 'There were many changes to the project scope, including budget increases and timeline extensions'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "changes" is as a plural noun. It typically refers to multiple instances of alteration, modification, or transformation. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, such as policy changes or environmental changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "changes" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting multiple alterations or modifications. It is grammatically correct and enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. To ensure clarity, specify the nature of the "changes" whenever possible, avoiding vague or generic references. Alternatives such as "alterations" or "modifications" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alterations

Refers to modifications or variations made to something, often implying a slight difference from the original state.

modifications

Highlights the act of altering something, often to improve it or adapt it to a new purpose.

adjustments

Focuses on fine-tuning or adapting something to achieve a better fit or outcome.

revisions

Emphasizes the process of reviewing and making corrections or improvements to a text or plan.

transformations

Suggests a more profound or dramatic alteration, often resulting in a completely new form or state.

variations

Indicates different forms or instances of something, often with slight differences between them.

developments

Focuses on the process of growth or evolution, often implying positive or progressive change.

shifts

Implies a change in direction, focus, or emphasis.

conversions

Refers to a change from one form or state to another, often implying a complete transformation.

mutations

Suggests a sudden or significant alteration, often in a biological or genetic context.

FAQs

How can I use "changes" in a sentence?

"Changes" is typically used as a plural noun. For example, "The company announced significant changes to its policies" or "Climate change is causing environmental changes globally".

What are some alternatives to the word "changes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "alterations", "modifications", "adjustments", or "revisions".

Is it correct to use "changes" as a singular noun?

No, "changes" is the plural form of "change". To refer to a single instance, use "change". For example, "A significant change is needed" not "A significant changes is needed".

What's the difference between "changes" and "change"?

"Change" is a singular noun referring to a single instance of alteration, while "changes" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances. Use "change" when you mean one thing, and "changes" when you mean more than one.