alter
B2Neutral to formal. Common in written and spoken English across registers.
Definition
Meaning
To change or make different, often in a small but significant way.
To modify the structure, character, or appearance of something; to adjust or adapt; to tailor clothing to fit.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a partial or non-fundamental change, not a complete replacement. In clothing contexts, it specifically means to adjust the fit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In tailoring contexts, both use identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] alters[NP] alters [NP][NP] is altered by [NP][NP] alters [AdvP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “alter ego (a second self)”
- “facts on the ground alter cases (circumstances change decisions)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To modify plans, strategies, or contracts. 'We must alter our marketing approach.'
Academic
To change variables, theories, or interpretations. 'The discovery altered our understanding of the period.'
Everyday
To change plans, appearance, or clothing. 'I need to alter these trousers.'
Technical
To modify data, code, or a physical structure. 'The update altered the database schema.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The weather can alter quite rapidly in the Highlands.
- She had the dress altered at a shop in Knightsbridge.
American English
- The contract was altered after the negotiations.
- I need to get these jeans altered at the mall.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Alteringly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Alteringly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- An alter ego (noun phrase).
- The alter-globalisation movement (as a prefix in compounds).
American English
- His alter ego is a famous rock star.
- She explored her alter identity in therapy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you alter the time of our meeting?
- He altered his story.
- The landscape was altered by the new construction.
- We had to alter our plans due to the train strike.
- Finding the evidence dramatically altered the course of the investigation.
- The tailor altered the suit to fit him perfectly.
- The treaty's wording was subtly altered to appease all signatories.
- Her experiences abroad irrevocably altered her worldview.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ALTAR in a church – it can be re-arranged or ALTERed for different ceremonies.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS MOVEMENT (alter course), ADJUSTMENT IS TAILORING (alter a suit).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'altar' (алтарь).
- Not as strong as 'менять кардинально'. Often implies modification, not full replacement.
- In clothing context, translates specifically as 'перешивать' or 'ушивать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'alter' when 'change' is more natural in simple contexts (A2/B1).
- Misspelling as 'altar'.
- Incorrect: 'I altered my mind.' (Correct: 'I changed my mind.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'alter' used most specifically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Alter' often suggests a partial, specific modification, while 'change' is broader and can mean complete replacement. 'Change your clothes' vs. 'Alter your clothes' (tailor them).
Yes, but usually in the sense of changing their appearance, behaviour, or opinions (e.g., 'The experience altered him profoundly'), not for exchanging one person for another.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both everyday speech ('alter a plan') and formal writing ('alter the constitution').
The most common noun is 'alteration' (e.g., 'make an alteration'). 'Alterity' is a rare, philosophical term meaning 'otherness'.