Cool MateAlter vs Change vs Divert
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Alter
Change
Divert
| Alter | Change | Divert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɔːltə//🇺🇸 //ˈɔltɚ// | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃeɪndʒ/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/","/tʃeɪndʒd/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃeɪndʒ/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/","/tʃeɪndʒd/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/daɪˈvɜːt/","/daɪˈvɜːts/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/daɪˈvɜːrt/","/daɪˈvɜːrts/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪd/","/daɪˈvɜːrtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To change something. | to make something different | to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away |
| Example | The dress was altered to fit better. | I decided to change my hairstyle for the summer. | The course of the stream has now been diverted. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb |
| Collocations | alter the course, alter the agreement, alter the design, alter behavior, alter personality | considerably, dramatically, drastically, from, into, to, change out of all recognition, considerably, dramatically, drastically, from, into, to, change out of all recognition, considerably, dramatically, drastically, from, into, to, change out of all recognition | divert traffic, divert attention, divert resources, divert funds, divert a conversation |
| Antonyms | preserve, maintain, retain | remain, stay | direct, maintain, focus |
| 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. | Confused with 'exchange' which means to swap something., Using 'change' without an object, e.g., saying 'I change' instead of 'I change my clothes'., 'Changed' and 'change' misused in verb forms. | 'Divert' used without an object (e.g., saying 'He will divert.' instead of 'He will divert traffic.'), Confusing 'divert' with 'divide' where learners might think they mean the same thing., Using 'divert' in a context where 'entertain' or 'amuse' would be more appropriate. |
| 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. | Use 'change' when talking about making modifications or alterations. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, in casual or formal contexts. Avoid using it in a situation that requires a more specific term, like 'transform' or 'alter'. | Use 'divert' when discussing redirecting something, like traffic or attention. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but is less common in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Alter vs Change vs Divert
What's the difference between Alter, Change, and Divert?
Alter: To change something. Change: to make something different Divert: to change the direction of something or to take someone's attention away
Which is more common: Alter, Change, and Divert?
Change is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Alter, Change, and Divert?
Divert is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Alter, Change, and Divert the same CEFR level?
Alter: B2, Change: A1, Divert: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Alter, Change, and Divert?
Alter: verb, Change: verb, Divert: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Alter: The dress was altered to fit better. Change: I decided to change my hairstyle for the summer. Divert: The course of the stream has now been diverted.
Can I use Alter, Change, and Divert interchangeably?
Not always. Alter, Change, and Divert 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.