Vastny Languages editorial team
Change, replace, alter, and adjust: what's the difference?
Change is broad. Replace means put something else in place of an old item. Alter means modify the existing thing; adjust usually means make a limited change for a better fit or result.
Change is broad. Replace means put something else in place of an old item. Alter means modify the existing thing; adjust usually means make a limited change for a better fit or result.
Which word fits here?
Use change when something becomes different or when you switch to something else.
Use replace when one item takes the place of another: replace a broken part.
Use alter when modifying the existing thing, such as altering a plan or a dress.
Use adjust for changes that improve fit, position or operation, such as adjusting a chair.
How to choose a word
Use change when something becomes different or when you switch to something else.
Use replace when one item takes the place of another: replace a broken part.
Use alter when modifying the existing thing, such as altering a plan or a dress.
Use adjust for changes that improve fit, position or operation, such as adjusting a chair.
Word by word
change
Use change when something becomes different or when you switch to something else.
She changed her mind about the trip.
We had to change the schedule after the flight was delayed.
replace
Use replace when one item takes the place of another: replace a broken part.
Please replace the broken bulb with a new one.
The company replaced the old software with a faster system.
alter
Use alter when modifying the existing thing, such as altering a plan or a dress.
She had the dress altered before the wedding.
The lawyer altered the wording of the contract.
adjust
Use adjust for changes that improve fit, position or operation, such as adjusting a chair.
Adjust the mirror before you start driving.
We adjusted the meeting time to fit everyone’s schedule.
