Make the changes to the PowerPoint vs Update

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Make the changes to the PowerPoint

Top 2,000 (common)

Update

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most common: Update
 Make the changes to the PowerPointUpdate
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ðə ˈpaʊəpɔɪnt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðə ˈʧeɪndʒɪz tə ði ˈpaʊərpɔɪnt//🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌpˈdeɪt/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪts/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪd/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌpˈdeɪt/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪts/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪd/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪŋ/"]/
MeaningChange the PowerPoint presentation.To make something new or better.
ExamplePlease make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting.Please update the software to the latest version.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationsmake changes, PowerPoint presentation, make adjustments, make edits, presentation slidesconstantly, continually, continuously, try to, need to, on, to, with, constantly, continually, continuously, try to, need to, on, to, with
Antonyms-degrade, downgrade
Common mistakesSaying 'do the changes' instead of 'make the changes'., Using 'make' with incorrect subjects, e.g., 'I makes the changes'.Confusing 'update' with 'upgrade', which means to improve or enhance something., Using 'updating' as a noun, instead of 'update'., Omitting the object when saying 'I will update' — it should be clear what is being updated.
Usage notesUse in professional or educational contexts when referring to modifying a presentation. Avoid in casual conversations.Use 'update' when talking about changing information to reflect new details. It's appropriate in both personal and professional contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual conversations.

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Make the changes to the PowerPoint

Frequently asked questions: Make the changes to the PowerPoint vs Update

What's the difference between Make the changes to the PowerPoint and Update?

Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Change the PowerPoint presentation. Update: To make something new or better.

Which is more common: Make the changes to the PowerPoint and Update?

Update is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Make the changes to the PowerPoint: Please make the changes to the PowerPoint before the meeting. Update: Please update the software to the latest version.

Can I use Make the changes to the PowerPoint and Update interchangeably?

Not always. Make the changes to the PowerPoint and Update 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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