change
change — verb
1. to take one thing away and put a different one of the same general type in its p
to take one thing away and put a different one of the same general type in its place, often because the first one is old, broken, dirty, or no longer suitable
Selim changed the old batteries in his radio before the storm arrived.
change + noun (replacing worn items)
The nurse changed the bandage on Naoko's arm every few hours.
Gabriel changed the flat tyre on his car before driving to the garage.
change + noun (practical replacement)
Arjun changed the water in the fish tank twice a week to keep it clean.
Christopher changed the sheets on all the beds before the guests arrived.
change + noun (household tasks)
- change a tyre
- change the batteries
- change the sheets
- change a light bulb
- change the oil
- keep
To continue using or holding something instead of replacing it.
Grammar Patterns
change + noun
change + noun + for + noun
Usage Note
Subject is a person who performs the replacement; object is the thing that is removed. To specify the new item, use 'change + object + for + new item' as in 'change the red shirt for a blue one'.
Common Mistakes
2. to stop being in one state, form, or condition and start being in another; or to
to stop being in one state, form, or condition and start being in another; or to cause someone or something to reach a new state or form
The weather changed from hot and dry to cool and rainy overnight.
change from X to Y (state transition)
Moving to a new country changed Ife's outlook on many things.
The leaves on the trees change colour every autumn in this region.
change + noun (natural process)
Élise changed the meeting room by adding colourful posters and plants.
Brian's voice changed from high to low as he grew older.
change from X to Y (personal development)
- change colour
- change shape
- change completely
- change gradually
- change dramatically
- stay the same
To remain in the same state without any difference.
- remain
Continue to be in the same state; no change occurs.
Grammar Patterns
something changes
someone changes + noun
someone/something changes from X to Y
someone/something changes into Y
Usage Note
When used intransitively, the subject is the thing undergoing the change. When used transitively, the subject is the cause of the change. Avoid confusing with 'exchange', which always involves two parties giving and receiving.
Common Mistakes
3. to return a purchased item to the store where it came from and receive a replace
to return a purchased item to the store where it came from and receive a replacement, typically when the original is damaged, the wrong size, or not what was wanted
Indra changed the jacket for a larger size after trying it on at home.
change + noun + for + noun (shop exchange)
João changed his new headphones at the store because they had a crackling sound.
You can change any item within thirty days if you still have the receipt.
change + noun + within + time period
Michael changed the sofa for a different colour when the first one did not match.
- change for a different size
- change for another colour
- change within 30 days
- change with receipt
- keep
To decide not to return the item to the shop.
Grammar Patterns
change + noun + for + noun
change + noun + (at + shop)
Usage Note
Commonly used with a 'for' phrase that names the replacement item. The word 'exchange' can also be used for this sense, but 'change' is more frequent in everyday British and American shopping contexts.
Common Mistakes
4. to start holding a different opinion, plan, or decision from the one you had bef
to start holding a different opinion, plan, or decision from the one you had before, usually after receiving new information or thinking again
After hearing all the evidence, the judge changed her decision about the case.
change + possessive + decision
Naoko changed her mind about studying abroad when her grandmother became ill.
Christopher changed his opinion of the documentary after watching it a second time.
change + possessive + opinion
The school board changed its position on the uniform policy after parents complained.
Selim changed his travel plans when he heard about the train strike.
change + possessive + plans
- change your mind
- change your opinion
- change your decision
- change your plans
- change your position
- reconsider
Focuses on the thinking process of reviewing a decision rather than the outcome.
- reverse
Stronger — suggests completely turning around to the opposite view; more formal.
- flip-flop
Informal and sometimes negative, implying frequent or weak changes of opinion.
- stick to
To keep one's original decision or opinion without changing.
Grammar Patterns
change + possessive + mind
change + possessive + opinion/decision/view
change + possessive + position
Usage Note
The most fixed collocation is 'change one's mind', which is treated almost as a set phrase. 'Change one's opinion' is more formal. This sense typically takes a possessive determiner before the object noun.
Common Mistakes
5. for a situation, condition, or set of circumstances to become better or more pos
for a situation, condition, or set of circumstances to become better or more positive than it was before
The weather changed for the better after three days of heavy rain.
change for the better (improvement)
The relationship between the two families changed after they talked through their problems.
Gabriel's mood changed once he started his new job at the hospital.
The economic situation in the town changed when the new factory opened last year.
change (improvement in broad conditions)
- change for the better
- change for the good
- improve
More direct and explicit about the direction of change; 'improve' always implies getting better.
- get better
Everyday informal phrase that clearly states the positive direction.
- worsen
To become worse instead of better; the opposite direction of change.
- deteriorate
More formal than 'worsen'; suggests a gradual decline in quality or condition.
Grammar Patterns
something changes for the better
something changes (for the good)
Usage Note
The context usually makes it clear this is an improvement, either through a following phrase like 'for the better' or through surrounding positive details. Without such cues, use sense 2 (BECOME DIFFERENT) which is neutral.
Common Mistakes
6. to stop behaving in ways that cause problems for yourself or others and start ac
to stop behaving in ways that cause problems for yourself or others and start acting in a more responsible or acceptable manner
After years of trouble at school, Ife changed and started working hard.
change (personal reform, intransitive)
The young man changed his ways after he became a father for the first time.
change + possessive + ways
Arjun promised to change after he saw how much his behaviour hurt his friends.
The mayor changed his approach to local issues after listening to community feedback.
Elder Zala told the young men that it was never too late to change.
change (moral reform, intransitive)
- change your ways
- change your behaviour
- change completely
- promise to change
- reform
More formal; often used in social or political contexts about systematic improvement.
- mend your ways
Set phrase meaning to stop behaving badly and start acting properly.
- turn over a new leaf
Idiomatic expression meaning to start behaving in a better way.
- backslide
To return to old, bad behaviour after trying to improve.
Grammar Patterns
someone changes
someone changes + possessive + ways
someone changes + possessive + behaviour
Usage Note
Often collocates with 'ways' or 'behaviour' to specify what is being reformed. This sense implies moral or behavioural improvement, not just any kind of change. Common in contexts of personal growth, rehabilitation, or corrected conduct.
Common Mistakes
7. to leave one bus, train, or other form of public transport and get onto a differ
to leave one bus, train, or other form of public transport and get onto a different one so that you can reach the place you are going to
Otis changed trains at Taipei Main Station to get to his hotel in the east of the city.
change + [vehicle] + at + [station]
You need to change from bus 22 to bus 41 at the market stop near the park.
change + from + [vehicle] + to + [vehicle]
Passengers for the airport must change to a shuttle bus at the city terminal building.
Marta asked the driver where she should change to reach the national museum.
The ticket allows you to change trains once during your trip between the two cities.
- change trains
- change buses
- change planes
- change at [station/stop]
- change from [vehicle] to [vehicle]
Grammar Patterns
change + from + [vehicle] + to + [vehicle]
change + at + [station/stop]
Usage Note
Often used without a direct object: 'We change at Central Station.' The station or stop where you change is introduced with 'at'.
Common Mistakes
8. to give someone a different type or size of money in return for what they give y
to give someone a different type or size of money in return for what they give you, for example turning a large note into several smaller ones or one country's currency into another
Could you change this thousand-dollar note into smaller bills for me, please?
change + [note/bill] + into + [smaller bills]
Elena changed her euros into yen at the bank counter before her trip to Japan.
change + [currency] + into + [other currency]
The shop assistant said she could not change the large note because she had very few coins left.
Kemi went to the front desk to change fifty US dollars into the local currency.
Hyun asked if the hotel could change some traveller's cheques for him at the reception.
- change money
- change currency
- change into [currency]
- change a note/bill
- change traveller's cheques
Grammar Patterns
change + [money] + into + [currency/denomination]
change + [banknote/coin]
Usage Note
You can specify which currency you are giving ('change dollars into euros') or just say you want to change money. In British English, a 'note' is a piece of paper money; in American English, a 'bill'.
Common Mistakes
9. to take off the clothes, nappy, or bed covers that are being used and put fresh
to take off the clothes, nappy, or bed covers that are being used and put fresh or different ones on yourself, a baby, or a bed
Rania changed the baby's wet nappy and then put her down for her afternoon nap.
change + [baby's] + [nappy/diaper]
Ilan changed his shirt after spilling coffee on it during the morning meeting.
The hotel staff change the bed sheets every morning before new guests arrive.
change + [bed sheets]
Hyun changed into his swimming trunks before heading down to the beach.
Hui changed the baby's clothes three times that day because she kept spilling food on herself.
- change clothes
- change into [clothes]
- change out of [clothes]
- change a nappy/diaper
- change the sheets
- change a baby
Grammar Patterns
change + into/out of + [clothes]
change + [baby's] + [diaper/nappy/sheets]
Usage Note
When used intransitively ('I need to change before dinner'), it usually refers to changing clothes. For a baby, 'change a nappy/diaper' is the common collocation. For a bed, 'change the sheets' is the standard phrase.
Common Mistakes
10. used when a natural force such as wind or an ocean tide starts blowing or flowin
used when a natural force such as wind or an ocean tide starts blowing or flowing from a different direction
The wind changed direction without warning, and the sailors had to pull the sails down quickly.
[wind/tide] + change + direction
Ayana waited for the tide to change before taking her small boat out of the harbour.
If the wind changes, the fire could spread towards the houses on the eastern side of the valley.
The fishermen waited until the tide changed before pushing their boat into the water.
A weather expert on the radio said the wind would change and bring cooler air overnight.
- wind changes
- tide changes
- change direction
Grammar Patterns
[wind/tide] + changes
Usage Note
Almost exclusively used with natural forces such as wind, tide, or current. Not used for human-controlled movement.
11. to move the gear stick of a car to a different position so that the engine turns
to move the gear stick of a car to a different position so that the engine turns faster or slower
Dario changed down to second gear as the car began to climb the steep hill.
change + down/up + to + [gear]
When you reach a higher speed on the motorway, you should change up to save fuel.
change + up (for higher gear)
Otis learned to change gears smoothly during his very first driving lesson with his father.
The truck driver changed to a lower gear before entering the sharp bend in the mountain road.
Shanti changed gear too quickly and the car made a loud grinding noise from the engine.
- change gear
- change up
- change down
- change into [gear]
- shift
standard in American English; 'shift gears' is the typical phrasing
Grammar Patterns
change + up/down
change + [gear]
change + into + [gear]
Usage Note
Commonly paired with 'up' (to a higher gear / faster) or 'down' (to a lower gear / slower). In American English, 'shift gear' or 'shift' is more common than 'change gear'.
Common Mistakes
change around
phrasal verbTo move things to different positions or places.
We changed the furniture around in the living room.
Can you change around the schedule for tomorrow?
change back
phrasal verbTo return to a previous state or form.
The frog changed back into a prince.
After the rain, the weather changed back to sunny.
change back into
phrasal verbTo return to a previous form or state.
The caterpillar changed back into a chrysalis.
He changed back into his normal clothes after the party.
change down
phrasal verbTo shift a vehicle's gears to a lower speed.
Change down before you go up the hill.
He changed down to second gear for the corner.
change over
phrasal verbTo switch from one system or method to another.
The company changed over to a new software system.
When did you change over from gas to electric?
change round
phrasal verbTo move things to different positions or places.
We need to change round the seating for the meeting.
She changed round the pictures on the wall.
change up
phrasal verbTo shift a vehicle's gears to a higher speed.
Change up when you reach thirty miles per hour.
He changed up to fifth gear on the highway.
change hands
idiomTo be sold or given to a new owner.
The old bookstore changed hands twice last year.
Has this painting ever changed hands before?
To switch plans or supporters in the middle of an activity.
The team decided not to change horses in midstream.
Changing horses in midstream can cause confusion.
To decide something different from what you planned earlier.
Mia changed her mind about going to the party.
Can I change your mind with a better offer?
To be in someone else's situation instead of your own.
I would never change places with a celebrity.
Would you swap places with someone who has more money?
change your tune
idiomTo say or think something different because your situation has changed.
After losing his job, he changed his tune about working hard.
She changed her tune when she saw the results.
change your ways
idiomTo start behaving differently, usually in a better way.
After the accident, he decided to change his ways.
It's never too late to change your ways.
chop and change
idiomTo keep changing your opinions or actions frequently.
Stop chopping and changing; pick one plan.
He chopped and changed so much that we got confused.
People cannot change their basic character, especially if it is bad.
Don't trust him; a leopard cannot change its spots.
She still lies—a leopard cannot change its spots.
change — noun
1. a difference between the way someone or something is now and the way they were b
a difference between the way someone or something is now and the way they were before; the process of becoming different from an earlier state
We noticed a big change in Amani's attitude after she joined the team.
collocation: big change / noticeable change
The company went through many changes during the move to a new building.
collocation: go through changes
Making small changes to your daily routine can improve your health.
The change in temperature from morning to evening was over ten degrees.
There has been a clear change in how people shop since the pandemic.
- big change
- dramatic change
- sudden change
- make a change
- undergo a change
- change in attitude
- change in weather
- shift
suggests a slight or gradual movement from one position to another
- transformation
a much bigger, more complete change
- variation
a difference within a range; less dramatic than a change
Usage Note
Often used with adjectives that describe the size or type of the difference, such as big, dramatic, gradual, sudden, or minor.
Common Mistakes
2. a new or different experience that feels enjoyable or refreshing because it brea
a new or different experience that feels enjoyable or refreshing because it breaks a familiar routine or situation
After three weeks of rain, the sunny weather was a welcome change for everyone.
collocation: welcome change / nice change
Eating at a Vietnamese restaurant was a nice change from our usual pizza place.
collocation: a change from [something familiar]
Working from home has been a pleasant change for Kasia after years of long commutes.
The children loved the field trip as a change from sitting in class all day.
- welcome change
- nice change
- pleasant change
- refreshing change
- change of scenery
- change from routine
Usage Note
Commonly used in singular form with an adjective like nice, pleasant, welcome, or refreshing, followed by from + the thing being contrasted.
3. a different situation or set of conditions that replaces an earlier one, especia
a different situation or set of conditions that replaces an earlier one, especially in areas such as your job, home, or daily life
Elena decided on a career change after working fifteen years in the same office.
collocation: make a change (in/to something)
Moving to a smaller apartment was a big change for the whole family.
The new manager announced a change in the company's holiday policy starting next month.
collocation: change in policy / change in plan
A change of job helped Ishaan feel less stressed at the end of each day.
- make a change
- change of job
- change of plan
- change in policy
- change of address
- welcome a change
- shift
suggests a fairly small adjustment rather than a major new situation
- transition
focuses on the process of moving from one situation to another
4. metal coins that are used as money, as opposed to paper money or digital payment
metal coins that are used as money, as opposed to paper money or digital payment
Do you have any change for the parking meter? I only have a large bill.
common question: 'Do you have any change?'
The bus driver told Tamar that the machine only accepts change, not paper money.
Chidi emptied his pockets and found enough change to buy a bottle of water.
The vending machine in the lobby gives change in coins, so keep some ready.
Coffee there costs one dollar, so I left the leftover change as a tip.
- loose change
- spare change
- small change
- some change
- exact change
- have change for
- coins
more specific; countable, referring to individual metal pieces
- small change
coins of low value, very similar in meaning
Usage Note
Uncountable — you cannot say 'a change' or 'changes' when referring to coins. Use some change, any change, or a piece of change.
Common Mistakes
5. coins or small bills that you receive when you give someone a larger bill and as
coins or small bills that you receive when you give someone a larger bill and ask for the same total value broken into smaller amounts
The shop assistant asked for smaller change because she had run out of coins.
collocation: smaller change / small change
Could you give me change for this ten-dollar note? I need coins for the laundry.
common request: 'change for [amount/note]'
The currency exchange desk gave Darius his money in small bills and change.
Manuela needed change for the toll booth, so she bought gum at the shop.
- give change
- get change for
- have change for
- change for a note
- small change
- exact change
- small change
almost identical; slightly more informal
- coins
focuses on the metal money itself rather than the act of exchanging
Usage Note
Often appears in requests: 'Do you have change for a twenty?' or 'Can you give me change for this note?'.
6. the amount given back to you when you pay more than the required price for somet
the amount given back to you when you pay more than the required price for something
The cashier handed Yuna her change and wished her a nice day.
common phrase: 'hand back / give change'
Justin paid with a twenty-dollar bill and received six dollars in change.
pattern: 'receive [amount] in change'
Always check your change before leaving the counter in case they made a mistake.
Asher told the waiter to keep the change as a tip for the good service.
common expression: 'keep the change'
The total was seven fifty, so Hoa paid ten dollars and waited for her change.
- get your change
- give change
- keep the change
- in change
- hand over change
- count your change
Usage Note
Uncountable — 'How much change did you get?', not 'How many changes?' When you tell a server or cashier to keep the extra money, you say 'Keep the change.'
Common Mistakes
7. the act of removing the clothes you are wearing and putting on a different set
the act of removing the clothes you are wearing and putting on a different set
Reuben went upstairs for a quick change before heading to the restaurant.
countable noun: a quick change
The dancer made a change into her costume just before the show started.
Maja had a change after her morning run and put on a clean shirt.
Christopher needed a change after the rain soaked through his shirt.
Astrid grabbed a change of clothes from her locker before gym class.
- a quick change
- have a change
- need a change
Grammar Patterns
a + change
Usage Note
Often appears with 'quick' or 'fast' to describe a hurried change of clothes.
8. an extra set of clothes that you bring with you, separate from what you are curr
an extra set of clothes that you bring with you, separate from what you are currently wearing
Camila packed a change of clothes for her son in case he spilled his juice.
common phrase: a change of clothes
Always keep a change of clothes in your bag when traveling with small children.
The hikers brought a change of clothes because rain was in the weather report.
Dewi forgot to bring a change of clothes to the sleepover at her friend's house.
Eli packed a change of clothes before leaving for the weekend trip.
- a change of clothes
- pack a change
- bring a change
- spare clothes
more general; refers to any extra clothing without the set connotation
- extra set
informal; focuses on the completeness of the set
Grammar Patterns
a change of + clothes
Usage Note
The phrase 'a change of clothes' is the most common form of this sense. The clothes are typically packed or carried separately from what you are wearing.
Common Mistakes
9. a point during a trip where you leave one bus, train, or other vehicle and board
a point during a trip where you leave one bus, train, or other vehicle and board a different one so you can keep heading toward where you are going
The bus broke down, so we had to make a change at the next station.
collocation: make a change
Walid's trip involved a change from the red metro line to the blue one.
The conductor announced a change in Chicago for all passengers going to Detroit.
Apinya missed her connection because the change between trains took too long.
Henry needed a change at Central Station to catch the train to his hometown.
- make a change
- a change at
- involve a change
- transfer
formal term used for switching between flights or trains
- connection
focuses on the scheduled vehicle you are switching to
Grammar Patterns
make a change
a change at + place
Usage Note
Common in travel contexts. Often paired with 'make' or 'have to.' The destination after 'change' can be a station, city, or route point.
Common Mistakes
10. a type of slow pitch in baseball that is thrown to look like a fastball, trickin
a type of slow pitch in baseball that is thrown to look like a fastball, tricking the batter into swinging too early
The pitcher threw a change when the batter was waiting for a fastball.
baseball pitch type: throw a change
Nkechi's change was so slow that the hitter swung early and missed.
Learning to throw a good change takes many hours of practice on the field.
Constanza practiced her change until she could throw it with a clean arm motion.
Imran's change fooled the batter, who swung at a ball that never arrived fast.
- throw a change
- a good change
- the pitcher's change
- changeup
the full term; 'change' is the shortened form commonly used by players and commentators
Grammar Patterns
throw a change
Usage Note
Short for 'changeup.' This term is specific to baseball and is rarely used outside of that sport. The pitcher's arm motion is the same as for a fastball, which is what makes the pitch deceptive.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/2
這幾個字都和「改變」有關，但用法和程度不同。 Alter（局部調整）指小範圍或表面的改變，例如 alter a dress（改衣服尺寸）。Modify（修改微調）通常是有目的的細部調整，例如 modify a proposal（修改提案），語氣比 alter 正式。Vary（變化多樣）強調在同一範圍內產生差異，例如 vary your diet（變化飲食內容），不涉及本質轉變。Shift（轉移／轉變）暗示位置、方向或重點的移動，例如 shift the focus（轉移焦點），常用於抽象或漸進的改變。Transform（徹底轉變）是最強烈的詞，指外觀、性質或功能上的徹底改變，例如 transform a company（改造公司），程度遠比 change 深。 實例對比：The tailor altered the sleeves（修改袖子）；The chef varied the menu each week（每週更換菜單）；The new CEO transformed the business（徹底改造了公司）。
Common collocations
Nouns
- change of plan
- change of clothes
- change of heart
- change of scenery
- change of address
- change of pace
Adverbs
- change completely
- change gradually
- change suddenly
- change dramatically
- change significantly
Phrases
- for a change
- make a change
- change hands
- change gear(s)
- a welcome change
- keep the change
- small change
- spare change
Prepositions
- change from X to Y
- change into
- change out of
Etymology
Change entered English through Old French changier (meaning 'to exchange, to barter'), which came from Latin cambiare, 'to exchange or swap.' The word was used in English from around the 1200s, first for exchanging money or goods, and later broadened to cover any kind of difference, replacement, or transformation. The same Latin root also gave us 'exchange' and 'cambist' (a person who deals in currency).