Adjust vs Make the changes to the PowerPoint
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Adjust
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Make the changes to the PowerPoint
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Adjust
| Adjust | Make the changes to the PowerPoint | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈdʒʌst/","/əˈdʒʌsts/","/əˈdʒʌstɪd/","/əˈdʒʌstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈdʒʌst/","/əˈdʒʌsts/","/əˈdʒʌstɪd/","/əˈdʒʌstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ðə ˈpaʊəpɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ði ˈpaʊərpɔɪnt// |
| Meaning | To change something slightly to make it better or more suitable. | Change the PowerPoint presentation. |
| Example | You need to adjust the brightness of your screen for better visibility. | Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | slightly, finely, automatically, for, quickly, rapidly, gradually, be difficult to, be hard to, need time to, to | make changes, PowerPoint presentation, make adjustments, make edits, presentation slides |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect, remain unchanged | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'adapt', which means changing to fit new conditions., Using 'adjust' as a noun, e.g., 'the adjust needs to be made' instead of 'the adjustment needs to be made'., Incorrectly assuming 'adjust' needs a preposition, e.g., 'adjust to something' instead of just 'adjust something'. | Saying 'do the changes' instead of 'make the changes'., Using 'make' with incorrect subjects, e.g., 'I makes the changes'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'adjust' when talking about small changes. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual speech like slang conversations. | Use in professional or educational contexts when referring to modifying a presentation. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Adjust vs Make the changes to the PowerPoint
What's the difference between Adjust and Make the changes to the PowerPoint?
Adjust: To change something slightly to make it better or more suitable. Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Change the PowerPoint presentation.
Which is more common: Adjust and Make the changes to the PowerPoint?
Adjust is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Adjust: You need to adjust the brightness of your screen for better visibility. Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting.
Can I use Adjust and Make the changes to the PowerPoint interchangeably?
Not always. Adjust and Make the changes to the PowerPoint are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.