Cool MateAlter vs Make the changes to the PowerPoint
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Alter
Beyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Make the changes to the PowerPoint
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Make the changes to the PowerPoint
| Alter | Make the changes to the PowerPoint | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɔːltə//🇺🇸 //ˈɔltɚ// | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ðə ˈpaʊəpɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ði ˈpaʊərpɔɪnt// |
| Meaning | To change something. | Change the PowerPoint presentation. |
| Example | The dress was altered to fit better. | Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | alter the course, alter the agreement, alter the design, alter behavior, alter personality | make changes, PowerPoint presentation, make adjustments, make edits, presentation slides |
| 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. | Saying 'do the changes' instead of 'make the changes'., Using 'make' with incorrect subjects, e.g., 'I makes the changes'. |
| 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 in professional or educational contexts when referring to modifying a presentation. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Alter vs Make the changes to the PowerPoint
What's the difference between Alter and Make the changes to the PowerPoint?
Alter: To change something. Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Change the PowerPoint presentation.
Which is more common: Alter and Make the changes to the PowerPoint?
Make the changes to the PowerPoint is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Alter: The dress was altered to fit better. Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting.
Can I use Alter and Make the changes to the PowerPoint interchangeably?
Not always. Alter 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.