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
 AdjustMake 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//
MeaningTo change something slightly to make it better or more suitable.Change the PowerPoint presentation.
ExampleYou need to adjust the brightness of your screen for better visibility.Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsslightly, finely, automatically, for, quickly, rapidly, gradually, be difficult to, be hard to, need time to, tomake changes, PowerPoint presentation, make adjustments, make edits, presentation slides
Antonymsignore, neglect, remain unchanged-
Common mistakesConfused 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 notesUse '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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Make the changes to the PowerPoint

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.

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