7. Alter / change

to alter - [v] ['~ 11t~]

1) to make something different in some way but without changing it completely; to alter a coat; to alter a will; to alter course

He altered his appearance with surgery.

2. to become different or modified; to change, usually slightly

The situation has altered since last week.

3. to make small changes to a piece of clothing so that it will fit you better the coat is too long for me. I'll have to have it altered.

alterations – [n, C/U]

1) [C/U] a change in the appearance or form of something; the process of making a change in the appearance or form of something; to make alterations to smth.

The editor made a few minor alterations to the text.

The professor told me that my course paper would not need much alteration.

2. [C] a small change made to a piece of clothing to make it fit correctly

I'm having some alterations made to the dress.

to change - [v]

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1) to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone; to change one's / smb.'s mind

Computers have changed the way people work

2) to pass or make smb. / smth. pass from one state or form into another;

to change smb. / smth. from A to / into B; to change hands (to pass to a different owner)

Caterpillars change into butterflies.

3. to become different; to change for the better / worse

Some things never change.

4. to stop having one state, position or direction and start having another

The wind has changed direction.

change - [n, C/U]

1) [C/U] the act or result of smth. becoming different; a change in / to smth.; social/political/economic changes; to make a change; to undergo a change

She is someone who hates change.

A number of significant changes have taken place since the J 960s.

2) [C, singular] a new activity or experience that is different and enjoyable; a change from smth.; for a cbange; to make / to be a change

Everyone needs a change from the same old routine.

We had a Chinese meal, which made a nice change.

Note: alter or change?

"To change" and "to alter" both mean to make a difference in the state or condition of a thing or to substitute another state or condition. "To change" is to make an essential difference so that the thing is distinctly different from what it was having lost its original identity. "To alter" is to make some partial change, as in appearance, but usually to preserve the identity.

alter / alteration / change

1. Finishing early was a welcome __________.

2. Giving up our car has __________ our lifestyle.

3. Her life __________ completely when she won the lottery.

4. I've got to make some __________ to my essay.

5. Leaves __________ colour in autumn.

6. Reconstruction or __________ of the flat without the landlord's permission is forbidden.

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7. The dress suits you but I think you might need to __________ the length.

8. The report proposes some fundamental __________ to the social security system.

9. The room looks a bit different. It has __________ with the new carpet and the matching curtains.

10. The town has __________ from a small fishing port to a bustling tourist attraction.

11. With a wave of her magic wand, she __________ the frog into a handsome prince.