Adapt vs Alter vs Change vs Convert vs Modify

Quand utiliser chacun en anglais, avec le sens, le registre et des exemples.

Adapt

Top 1000 (très courant)B2verb

Alter

Au-delà de 10 000 (moins courant)B2verb

Change

Top 1000 (très courant)A1verb

Convert

Top 2000 (courant)B2verb

Modify

Top 2000 (courant)B2verb
 AdaptAlterChangeConvertModify
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/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/"]/
SensTo change something so it works better in a new situation.To change something.to make something differentto change something into a different form or useChange something to make it better or different.
ExempleIn 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.
RegistreNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutre
FréquenceTop 1000 (très courant)Au-delà de 10 000 (moins courant)Top 1000 (très courant)Top 2000 (courant)Top 2000 (courant)
Niveau CEFRB2B2A1B2B2
Nature grammaticaleverbverbverbverbverb
Collocationssuccessfully, 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 adaptedalter the course, alter the agreement, alter the design, alter behavior, alter personalityconsiderably, 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 recognitionconvert currency, convert data, convert files, convert ideas, convert a roomconsiderably, drastically, extensively, have to, need to, for, highly modified, in a modified form, modified to fit something
Antonymesresist, reject, refusepreserve, maintain, retainremain, staymaintain, preserve, staymaintain, preserve, keep
Erreurs fréquentes'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.
Notes d'usageUse '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.

Questions fréquentes : Adapt vs Alter vs Change vs Convert vs Modify

Quelle est la différence entre Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert et 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.

Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert et Modify sont-ils au même niveau CEFR ?

Adapt: B2, Alter: B2, Change: A1, Convert: B2, Modify: B2 sur l'échelle CEFR.

Quelle est la nature grammaticale de Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert et Modify ?

Adapt: verb, Alter: verb, Change: verb, Convert: verb, Modify: verb.

Peux-tu montrer un exemple de chacun ?

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.

Puis-je utiliser Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert et Modify de façon interchangeable ?

Pas toujours. Adapt, Alter, Change, Convert et Modify sont proches et se recoupent parfois, mais elles diffèrent par le registre, la fréquence et l'usage, donc remplacer l'une par l'autre peut changer le sens ou le ton. Regarde les différences ci-dessus avant de substituer.

Comparaisons associées