make change

USAGE SUMMARY

'make change' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in order to express a variety of ideas. For example, you can use it to indicate that something is changing, e.g. "We need to make change in the organization if we want to be successful." You can also use it to refer to an exchange of money, e.g. "I need some change. Can you make change for a twenty dollar bill?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could he make change?

The New York Times - Books

I expect to make change".

The New York Times - Sports

You can make change happen.

The Guardian - Books

"The power to make change.

The New York Times

They were ambitious, ready to make change.

The New York Times

I will continue to make change..

The New Yorker

Money and political pressure can make change.

The Guardian - Tech

You cannot make change that way".

The New York Times - Magazine

The machines, however, don't make change.

The New York Times

I will continue to make change...

The New Yorker

So what can make change happen?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, specify the area or system that is subject to change when using the phrase "make change" in a broader context. For example, instead of saying 'We need to make change', say 'We need to make change in our marketing strategy'.

Common error

Avoid using "make change" in overly broad or undefined situations. Instead of a general statement like 'I want to make change', specify the area you aim to impact for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make change" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It's used to denote the action of causing an alteration or transformation or, in a more literal sense, providing smaller denominations of currency in exchange for a larger one. As Ludwig shows, its function depends heavily on context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

17%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make change" is a versatile expression used across various contexts, primarily to indicate causing an alteration or exchanging currency. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing most frequently in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for both formal and informal communication. When using "make change", it's best practice to specify the area or system undergoing alteration to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as ""implement change"" or "bring about change" offer subtle variations in meaning, emphasizing different aspects of the alteration process. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring about change

Emphasizes the act of causing or initiating change, often suggesting a deliberate effort.

effect change

A more formal way to say "make change", emphasizing the result or outcome.

implement change

Focuses on the execution or application of change, rather than the general act of causing it.

initiate change

Focuses on the beginning or commencement of a change process.

achieve change

Highlights the successful completion or attainment of a change-related goal.

drive change

Suggests a forceful or proactive approach to implementing change.

promote change

Emphasizes advocacy and support for a particular change.

foster change

Implies nurturing or promoting an environment conducive to change.

facilitate change

Highlights the role of making change easier or more accessible for others.

instigate change

Suggests a more forceful or even disruptive initiation of change.

FAQs

How can I use "make change" in a sentence?

You can use "make change" in sentences to refer to causing a difference (e.g., "We need to "implement change" in the company") or exchanging money (e.g., "Can you "make change" for a five-dollar bill?").

What phrases are similar to "make change" when talking about causing a difference?

Similar phrases include "bring about change", "effect change", or "drive change", all emphasizing different aspects of initiating or achieving transformation.

Is it better to say "make a change" or "make change"?

Both "make a change" and "make change" can be correct, depending on the context. "Make a change" typically refers to a specific instance of altering something, while "make change" can refer to a more general or ongoing effort to create alterations.

Which is more formal, "make change" or "implement change"?

"Implement change" is generally more formal than "make change". "Implement change" is often used in professional or academic settings, while "make change" is suitable for more informal contexts.