Cool MateAdapt vs Alter vs Change vs Convert vs Modify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Adapt
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Alter
Beyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Change
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Convert
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Modify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Adapt | Alter | Change | Convert | Modify | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈdæpt/","/əˈdæpts/","/əˈdæptɪd/","/əˈdæptɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈdæpt/","/əˈdæpts/","/əˈdæptɪd/","/əˈdæptɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈɔːltə//🇺🇸 //ˈɔltɚ// | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃeɪndʒ/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/","/tʃeɪndʒd/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃeɪndʒ/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/","/tʃeɪndʒd/","/ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈvɜːt/","/kənˈvɜːts/","/kənˈvɜːtɪd/","/kənˈvɜːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈvɜːrt/","/kənˈvɜːrts/","/kənˈvɜːrtɪd/","/kənˈvɜːrtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To change something so it works better in a new situation. | To change something. | to make something different | to change something into a different form or use | Change something to make it better or different. |
| Example | In order to survive in this changing climate, species must adapt to their new environments. | The dress was altered to fit better. | I decided to change my hairstyle for the summer. | I need to convert this document from PDF to Word format. | You can modify the document by adding new sections. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 | A1 | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | verb | verb |
| Collocations | successfully, well, quickly, be able to, can, be unable to, to, the ability to adapt, find it difficult to adapt, find it hard to adapt, for, from, specially adapted, for, from, specially adapted | 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 | convert currency, convert data, convert files, convert ideas, convert a room | considerably, drastically, extensively, have to, need to, for, highly modified, in a modified form, modified to fit something |
| Antonyms | resist, reject, refuse | preserve, maintain, retain | remain, stay | maintain, preserve, stay | maintain, preserve, keep |
| Common mistakes | 'Adapt to' vs. 'adapt for': Confusing these phrases., Using 'adopt' instead of 'adapt': These words have different meanings., Omitting the object: Forgetting to specify what is being adapted. | 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. | Confused with 'transpose' — they are not interchangeable., Often misused in passive voice without a subject., Incorrectly used when referring to simple changes that do not involve a transformation. | Confusing with 'modification', which is the noun form., Using 'modify' without an object, which is incorrect., Overusing 'modify' instead of synonyms like 'change' or 'adjust' in casual speech. |
| Usage notes | Use 'adapt' when talking about making changes to fit new conditions or requirements. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts but is often used in discussions about learning or adjusting to new environments. | 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'. | Commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts. Suitable in neutral conversations but may be formal in legal or financial discussions. Avoid slang contexts. | Use 'modify' when discussing changes to plans, documents, or objects. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, such as academic or business settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Adapt vs Alter vs Change vs Convert vs Modify
What's the difference between Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert, and Modify?
Adapt: To change something so it works better in a new situation. Alter: To change something. Change: to make something different Convert: to change something into a different form or use Modify: Change something to make it better or different.
Are Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert, and Modify the same CEFR level?
Adapt: B2, Alter: B2, Change: A1, Convert: B2, Modify: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert, and Modify?
Adapt: verb, Alter: verb, Change: verb, Convert: verb, Modify: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Adapt: In order to survive in this changing climate, species must adapt to their new environments. Alter: The dress was altered to fit better. Change: I decided to change my hairstyle for the summer. Convert: I need to convert this document from PDF to Word format. Modify: You can modify the document by adding new sections.
Can I use Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert, and Modify interchangeably?
Not always. Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert, and Modify 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.