Cool MateAlter vs Can convince him otherwise
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Alter
Beyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Can convince him otherwise
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Can convince him otherwise
| Alter | Can convince him otherwise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɔːltə//🇺🇸 //ˈɔltɚ// | 🇬🇧 //kən kənˈvɪns hɪm ˈʌðəwaɪz//🇺🇸 //kən kənˈvɪns hɪm ˈʌðərˌwaɪz// |
| Meaning | To change something. | Can make him believe something different. |
| Example | The dress was altered to fit better. | I hope I can convince him otherwise about joining the team. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | alter the course, alter the agreement, alter the design, alter behavior, alter personality | convince someone otherwise, can convince, try to convince, easily convince, convince him |
| Antonyms | preserve, maintain, retain | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'change' - 'alter' usually implies a more significant adjustment., Using 'alter' without an object - it should always follow an object., Incorrectly using 'altered' as a noun. | Using 'convinced' instead of 'convince' incorrectly., Omitting 'him' when referring to a person., Confusing 'otherwise' with 'otherwise than'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'alter' when you want to indicate a change or modification. It is more formal than 'change'. Avoid using it for very minor or trivial adjustments. | Used in persuasive contexts, often with discussions or arguments. Not typically used in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Alter vs Can convince him otherwise
What's the difference between Alter and Can convince him otherwise?
Alter: To change something. Can convince him otherwise: Can make him believe something different.
Which is more common: Alter and Can convince him otherwise?
Can convince him otherwise is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Alter: The dress was altered to fit better. Can convince him otherwise: I hope I can convince him otherwise about joining the team.
Can I use Alter and Can convince him otherwise interchangeably?
Not always. Alter and Can convince him otherwise 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.