change1 verbchange2 noun
changechange1 /tʃeɪndʒ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINchange1
Origin:
1100-1200 Old French changier, from Latin cambiare ‘to exchange’VERB TABLE
change
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | change |
| he, she, it | changes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | changed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have changed |
| he, she, it | has changed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had changed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will change |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have changed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am changing |
| he, she, it | is changing | |
| you, we, they | are changing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was changing |
| you, we, they | were changing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been changing |
| he, she, it | has been changing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been changing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be changing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been changing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Have you got your bathing suit on?" "No, I'll change when we get there."
- "The telecommunications industry is changing at lightning speed," said Richard Miller, the company's chief financial officer.
- Agriculture must be changed to reduce damage to the environment.
- All drivers should really know how to change a flat tire.
- Can you change a $10 bill?
- Can you change this light bulb for me? I can't reach.
- Do you mind waiting while I change my clothes?
- Ed went into the bedroom to change out of his work clothes.
- Going to college changed him a lot. It made him much more mature.
- Going to college really changed my life.
- Having a baby changes your life completely, whatever your age.
- Her expression did not change, and she answered me calmly.
- How does the President plan to change the tax system?
- I'll just change my shirt and I'll be with you in a minute.
- I'm just going upstairs to change.
- I can't believe it's been ten years - you haven't changed at all.
- I think the batteries need changing.
- I tried to follow him but he kept changing direction.
- If the trousers are the wrong size you can always change them.
- As people in other staff agencies sought to perform differently and better they also improvised, learned, and changed.
- But he will change course if the market demands it.
- Each has the right to change its status in this respect, subject to relevant agreements and procedures.
- It is rugged country whose landscape changes every few kilometers.
- The bill requires health insurers to maintain coverage for anybody who changes or loses his job.
- This is another area which is changing out of all recognition since closure of the colliery and removal of sidings etc.
- What tragedies must occur before he and the Minister of State will change their minds?
- You have changed, Joan de Warenne, she thought.
THESAURUSto change something
to make someone or something different: · Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the situation.· Being at college has changed her – she’s much more confident now.
especially written to change something so that it is better or more suitable: · You can alter the colour and size of the image using a remote control.· Can we alter the date of the meeting?
to change something slightly in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · How much would it cost to adapt the existing equipment?· You can adapt the recipe to suit your own requirements.
to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · How do you adjust the volume on the television?· He adjusted his tie in the mirror.
especially written to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or use it in a different way: · He’s modified his opinions since then.· a modified version of the original program
to change a law, system, organization etc so that it is fairer or more effective: · plans to reform the tax system· Health care needs to be completely reformed.
to change a plan, idea, law etc because of new information and ideas: · In July, China revised the rules for foreign investment.· The findings could force the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.
to change the way that a system or organization works: · We’ve had to reorganize our database.· During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.
to make big changes to the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: · The company has been restructured from top to bottom.
to change something completely to change something completely, especially so that it is much better: · Well, you’ve certainly transformed this place – it looks great!· Putin transformed the Russian economy.
to completely and permanently change the way people do something or think about something, especially because of a new idea or invention: · Computers have revolutionized the way we work.· This important discovery revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
to change something in order to deceive people to explain facts, statements etc in a way that makes them seem different from what they really are: · The judge said that she had deliberately tried to distort the facts.· Don’t try to distort the truth.
to dishonestly change the meaning of a piece of information or of something that someone has said, in order to get an advantage for yourself or to support your own opinion: · He accused reporters of twisting his words.· In her article she twisted the meaning of what I said.
to give people a wrong idea about someone or their opinions, by what you write or say: · I hope I have not misrepresented her opinion.· He’s taking legal action to stop the film, claiming it grossly misrepresents him.
Longman Language Activatorto become different · She's changed a lot since she went to college.· It's amazing how much things have changed since we were young.· Her expression did not change, and she answered me calmly.· "The telecommunications industry is changing at lightning speed," said Richard Miller, the company's chief financial officer.change into · The caterpillar eventually changes into a beautiful butterfly.change from something to/into something · In the 18th century, Britain changed from a mainly agricultural society to an industrial one.change to · The lights changed to green, and the motorbike sped off.change colourBritish change color American · It was the end of September, and the leaves on the trees were starting to change color.change out of all recognition (=change completely) · The town I grew up in has changed out of all recognition.
becoming different: · I find it hard to keep up with changing fashions.· His book is concerned with the changing role of fathers.· Ansel Adams loved wide landscapes and changing light.constantly/rapidly changing: · Businesses need to be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions in a rapidly changing world.fast-changing/ever-changing (=changing quickly or frequently): · Job insecurity is widespread in the fast-changing American workplace.
to change - use this especially about someone's feelings or behaviour, or about a situation: · His mood suddenly altered and he seemed a little annoyed.· His defence lawyer said that Wilson's lifestyle had altered dramatically since the offences three years ago. · Her face hadn't altered much over the years.
to become something completely different: · In fairy tales when the princess kisses a frog, it turns into a handsome prince.· A trip to the beach turned into a nightmare for a local family yesterday.
to suddenly become cold, unpleasant etc: · The ink-black nights were turning cold, and the stars were frosty and fewer. · The protest turned violent when groups of demonstrators stormed the parliament building.
especially spoken to stop being one thing and start being something else, especially something very different: · In less than five years, he went from being a communist to being a member of the military government.· His face went from pink to bright red.· The Mexican economy went from boom to bust very quickly, with disastrous results for the people.go from bad to worse (=change from being bad to being even worse): · After Kathy lost her job, things went from bad to worse, and eventually she and Ed split up.
to change all the time or often especially spoken · His ideas about what he wants keep changing.· I'll check the regulations for you - they keep changing.· The police strongly suspected that she had been involved - her story kept changing and was filled with inconsistencies.
to change often if something varies , it changes according to what the situation is: · Ticket prices to New York vary, depending on the time of year.vary from....to: · Driving regulations vary from state to state.vary considerably/enormously/greatly (=change a lot): · Her income varies considerably from one month to the next.vary in price/quality/size etc: · Vegetables vary in quality according to the season.it varies: · "How much milk do you use a day?" "Oh, it varies."vary from day to day/week to week etc: · It hadn't been established where we'd all sleep - the location seemed to vary from night to night.
if something such as a price or amount fluctuates , it changes very often from a high level to a low one and back again: · The car industry's annual production fluctuates between 5.1 million and 9.2 million vehicles.· Cholesterol levels in the blood fluctuate in the course of a day.fluctuate wildly: · Share prices on the New York Stock Exchange often fluctuate wildly.
if something such as a system or a set of ideas is in flux or in a state of flux , it is changing a lot all the time, especially in a confusing way, so that you do not know what it will finally be like: · The computer industry is in constant flux, responding all the time to changes in technology.· Our education programme is in a state of flux, as new approaches are being developed.
often changing or likely to change feelings or conditions that are changeable change frequently so that it is difficult to know what they will be like in a short time: · You love him now, but at your age feelings are changeable.· I'm a changeable sort of person.· changeable weather
behaviour, processes, or services that are erratic change suddenly in an unexpected and surprising way, when it would be better if they remained the same: · Her behaviour was becoming more and more erratic.· Heating was difficult owing to erratic supplies of gas, electricity and water.· The company's erratic performance is a cause for some concern.
a volatile situation or character is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly: · The political situation in the Balkans is still extremely volatile.· She formed enduring friendships with women and more intense, volatile ones with men.
a person, situation, or system or government that is unstable is likely to change suddenly and become worse, because there is something wrong with their character or the way things are organized: · Regimes governed by violence are always unstable.· Was it safe to trust someone who was so emotionally unstable?
changing according to the situation - use this about amounts, prices, speeds, temperatures etc: · Demand for the company's products is variable.· The weather here is likely to be very variable.
inconsistent behaviour or work changes too often from good to bad, and you cannot trust it to be good all the time: · People feel threatened when decision-making is inconsistent and arbitrary.· A succession of injuries produced an inconsistent season for one of our best players.
conditions or situations that are unsettled change frequently so that it is impossible to make plans or know what will happen: · It is dangerous to visit there while the political situation is so unsettled.· The weather has been very unsettled lately.· Eliot led a strangely unsettled life, drifting from place to place and job to job.
someone who has changed completely use this to say that someone has changed a lot from what they were like before because of an important or powerful experience: · My father came back from the war a changed man.· She returned from her travel a changed woman.
someone who is reformed has completely changed their behaviour and stopped doing things that other people disapprove of, for example stealing or drinking too much: · Since the birth of his baby, Mark has totally reformed.· Al Pacino plays a reformed crook who gets pulled back into a life of crime.
to change something or someone to make someone or something different: · They've changed the timetable, and now there's only one bus an hour.· Going to college changed him a lot. It made him much more mature.· Having a baby changes your life completely, whatever your age.
to change something so that it is better or more suitable: · You can alter the color and size of the image using a remote control.· The border was closed, and they were forced to alter their plans.
to change some parts of a system or the way something is done, but not all of it: · Don't make any major changes yet.· I've analysed the system and made changes where I thought they were needed.make changes to/in: · You'll have to make some changes in your life - stop smoking and eating fatty food, and stop working so hard. · The manufacturer has agreed to make one or two changes to the computer's design.
to change an idea or plan because of new information: · This discovery made them revise their old ideas.· You should review and revise the plan in the light of events as they unfold.· By the time the President arrived at Keflavik, the revised speech was ready.
to make something completely different to completely change something, especially so that it is much better: · Well, you've certainly transformed this place - it looks great!transform something into something: · In the last 20 years, Korea has been transformed into a major industrial nation.totally/completely transform: · When she smiled, her face was completely transformed.
to make something become a completely different thing or make someone become a completely different kind of person: · We're planning to turn the spare bedroom into a study.· The war had turned Cassidy into a violent thug.· Edwards saved the Tivoli, an elegant 1920s art deco hotel, and turned it into a movie theatre.
also revolutionise British to completely and permanently change the way people do something or think about something, especially because of a new idea or invention: · Computers have revolutionized the way we work.· This important discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the universe.· The new technology is revolutionising the way music is played, composed and studied.
to change a process or decision so that it is the opposite of what it was before: · The longer the economic decline is allowed to go on the more difficult it will be to reverse it.· Cities are expanding and using up more and more of the desert. Our aim is to reverse this trend and to protect our open spaces.· The court of appeal reversed the original verdict and set the prisoner free.· Many of the former administration's policies were reversed by the new president.
to change a previous official decision or order so that it is the opposite of what it was before or so that it can no longer have its original effect: · The execution ended a 14-year battle to have Bannister's death sentence overturned.· Wolf was found guilty of treason, but the conviction was overturned by Germany's highest court in 1995.
to change something for a particular use or purpose to change something so that it can be used in a different way: · They have adapted their house so they can look after their disabled son more easily.· The movie was adapted by Forsyth from his own bestselling novel.adapt for: · The materials in the book can be adapted for use with older children.adapt something to do something: · These recipes can be easily adapted to suit vegetarians.
to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or to make it more suitable for a particular purpose: · We can modify the design to make it suitable for commercial production.· We all modify our speech when speaking to people in authority.genetically modify (=change the genes of plants or animals): · The biotech corporations argue that genetically modified crops will put an end to food shortages in the developing world.
to change something completely so that it has a different form and can be used for a different purpose: · We've converted the basement to give the children more room to play.convert something into something: · A Swiss company has found a way to convert animal waste into fuel.· This computer system converts typed words into speech.
also customise British to change something, such as a car or a piece of equipment, to suit a particular person or group of people: · General Motors will customize Cadillacs for special clients.· The computer programs can be customised for individual users.· customized software
to make small changes to something in order to improve it to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · Check and adjust your brakes regularly.· I don't think the color control on this TV is properly adjusted.· The amount of any of these ingredients can be adjusted according to your taste.· "You don't have to come,'' Lewis said, as he adjusted his tie in a mirror.
to make small changes to something such as a machine, a system, or the way something looks: · You can use this tool to make adjustments in all kinds of machines.make adjustments to: · Scientists were able to locate the star by making a few minor adjustments to their original calculations.
to make small changes to something written, for example a law or legal agreement: · Programs written in languages such as BASIC are very easy to edit and amend.amend a bill/rule/law/act etc: · Congress amended the Social Security Act in 1967 to help the disabled.· The law was amended so that profits from drug dealing could be seized by the government.amend the Constitution: · To amend the Constitution voters must approve the measure in a referendum.
to check a piece of writing from beginning to end and make any changes that are necessary to improve it: · He gave his work to his friend to revise, because he found it hard to see his own mistakes.· The publisher will not accept your manuscript until it has been thoroughly revised.
to change the way something is done or organized · The government is considering changing the local voting system.· Agriculture must be changed to reduce damage to the environment.
also reorganise British to change the way that a system or organization works: · During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.· The proposals for reorganizing the company have made many people in the workforce feel very insecure.
to completely change the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: · Mr Gorbachev's attempt to restructure the Soviet economy met with criticism from traditional communists.· In the coming years a lot of money will go into restructuring the education system.
to change a law, system, or organization, so that it is fairer or more effective: · They reformed the voting system, and introduced a secret ballot.· We are working to reform the nation's prisons.
to change facts or information in a dishonest way to dishonestly change the meaning of a piece of information or of something that someone has said, in order to get some advantage for yourself or to support your own opinion: · The lawyers twisted everything I said to make it look as if I was guilty.· Every time I try to talk to him about it, he just twists everything I say.· Write very clearly so that no one can twist your meaning.
to give people a wrong idea about someone or their opinions, by what you write or say: · Your reporter has completely misrepresented my opinions about immigration.· Many women feel that the history books either ignore or misrepresent them.
to explain facts, statements etc in a way that makes them seem different from what they really are: · Newspaper readers are usually given a simplified and often distorted version of events.· These incidents were grossly distorted by police witnesses.distort the truth/the facts: · Journalists were accused of sensationalizing the story and distorting the facts.
to dishonestly change official documents or records so that they contain false information: · She falsified her birth certificate to get the job.· A whole team was kept busy falsifying official government records.· Their accounts had been falsified over a long period of time
to pretend that you think someone has said something that is not what they actually said or meant: · I didn't mean that at all -- you're just putting words into my mouth!· You're putting words into her mouth. You don't know what she thinks.
informal to dishonestly change a company's financial records, in order to steal money: · We've just found out Alec's been cooking the books.· The directors of the company made millions from cooking the books before the fraud investigators caught them.
if a government, film company etc rewrites history, it deceives people by pretending that particular historical events did not really happen or that they happened differently: · Hollywood has been accused of rewriting history, by once again denying the role played by African Americans.
easy to change methods, systems, or rules that are flexible can easily be changed if necessary: · We need a flexible management system, able to meet the changing needs of our customers.· Unions would like more flexible working hours to replace the nine-to-five, forty-hour week.· The rules are deliberately left flexible as each case is different.
a system or way of doing something that is adaptable can be changed so that it is suitable for very different uses and very different situations: · In this job you need to be adaptable and able to cope with unexpected situations.highly adaptable (=very adaptable): · Young children are highly adaptable -- I'm sure they won't mind moving to a different area.
to change what you do or use to change from one thing to another so that you have something different from what you had before: · They've changed their phone number.· We had to change the tyre because we had a flat.change to: · Japanese industry is changing to alternative marketing techniques.change from something to something: · We've changed from traditional ways of working to an automated system.change jobs/cars etc (=move from one to another): · Women have to be ambitious and willing to change jobs frequently if they want to get to the top of their profession.change direction/course (=start moving in a new direction): · I tried to follow him but he kept changing direction.change channels (=change from one programme on television to another): · If you don't like the programme you can always change channels.
to change, especially suddenly, from one thing to another: switch to: · I used to play golf but I switched to tennis to get more exercise.· It took a long time for Americans to switch to smaller cars.switch from something to something: · He switched easily and fluently from speaking English to French to German.
to change, especially gradually, from one thing to another: move from: · The book follows the life of Ann Pollock, as she moves from the optimism of young love, through the disastrous years of World War II. move from something to something: · The bank has moved from private client work to banking for large corporations.move away from something: · Many socialists were moving away from faith in revolution towards a fight for reform.
: transfer your affection/allegiance/support etc to change from loving or supporting one person, group etc to loving or supporting another: transfer to: · The generals are transferring their allegiance to their new leader.· Fed up with the disastrous performances of the team he'd been watching for years, he transferred his support to their rivals.
to change from one system to a new one, especially a more modern one: · Britain went over to decimal currency in 1971.· The factory is going over to computerised machinery and many workers are losing their jobs.
to change to a different religion: · In 1976 he converted to Islam.· Large numbers of people are converting to Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.
to keep changing from one thing to another to change repeatedly from one thing or condition to a different one and back again: alternate between something and something: · His mother would alternate inexplicably between kindness and cruelty.· The guide explained the situation, alternating between Spanish and German.alternate with: · He has periods of depression, which alternate with frenzied activity.alternate something with something: · Leroy alternated aerobic exercises with weight training to improve his stamina.
to regularly change what you do or the way you do it so that you are more effective or do not become bored: · Teachers can keep students' interest by varying their classes.· One of Dickens' great skills as a writer is the way he varies his style.· If you're bored with the trip to work, try varying your route.
if people rotate , they each do something such as a piece of work once, then another person does it, then another, and then the first person again: · We rotate -- I teach French grammar one week, and she teaches it the next.rotate a job/task etc: · We usually rotate the worst jobs so that no one gets stuck with them.
British informal to keep changing from one thing to another, in a way that annoys people: · Don't chop and change from one style to another. It confuses the reader.· I wish they wouldn't keep chopping and changing. There's a different team on the field every week.
to change your clothes to take off your clothes and put on different clothes: · The first thing I do when I get home from school is get changed.· Are you going to get changed before the party?
to take off all or some of your clothes and put some different clothes on: · I'll just change my shirt and I'll be with you in a minute.· "Have you got your bathing suit on?" "No, I'll change when we get there." change into: · She changed into a sweater and some jeans.
to change from one vehicle to another during a journey to get out of one train, bus, or plane and get into another in order to complete your journey: · Is this a direct flight or do we have to change?· Passengers for York change at Leeds.change trains/planes/buses etc: · We stopped at Los Angeles, just to change planes.
to change from one vehicle to another, as part of a journey, especially when all the other people in the vehicle do the same: · I must have lost my luggage when we transferred.transfer from/to: · The train broke down so we transferred to a bus.
when things change · There have been so many changes around here lately that I'm not sure what's happening any more.· A lot of people are frightened of change.change in · There was a sudden change in the weather.· House plants are often sensitive to changes in temperature.· The delay was the result of a change in the way that we administer the grants.social/economic/political etc change · 1989 was a year of great political change in eastern Europe.big change/major change · There have been big changes in the way languages are taught in schools.a change for the better/worse · For most ordinary workers, the new tax laws represent a change for the worse.
a change in something, especially one that has happened gradually or naturally: · The relationship between the United States and China has altered in recent years.alteration in: · She noticed the alteration in his looks and manner.· Max walked past her, without acknowledging her presence by the slightest alteration in his expression.
also turnround British a complete change from a bad economic situation to a good one, or a change from failing to succeeding: · BRITCON's turnround has been achieved by drastic reductions in manpower.· The team's dramatic turnaround is attributed to their new coach Bill Snyder.turnaround in: · The expected turnaround in the beer industry has, for various reasons, not yet occurred.
a big change in your life or in the way things are organized, especially when this causes problems and anxiety: · Moving to a different school can be a big upheaval for young children.political/social/economic etc upheaval: · The company managed to survive the economic upheavals of the last 20 years.emotional upheaval: · Changing jobs can be an exciting challenge, but it can also be a time of great emotional upheaval.
a complete change in the way of doing things or thinking, because of new ideas or methods: · They argue that our schools are failing our children, and that the education system needs a revolution.revolution in: · Einstein's General Theory of Relativity started a revolution in scientific thinking.scientific/technological/social etc revolution: · The 1970s saw the beginnings of a new technological revolution, based on microelectronics.
a complete change in something or someone, especially so that there is a great improvement: transformation of: · The transformation of the Inner Harbor included new office buildings, and a marketplace of small shops and food stalls.transformation from something to something: · Her friends and neighbors watched her transformation from shy local girl to famous movie actress.transformation in: · The last great overall transformation in American business took place between 1890 and 1910, when the modern corporation was forged.transformation into: · Today, spruced-up Times Square is in the midst of a surprising transformation into a family-oriented entertainment center. undergo a transformation: · It is rare for a person to undergo a dramatic transformation in his political thinking, but it does happen.
a change made in order to improve something · We need some changes if we are going to make this company successful.· I can't get used to all these changes.change to · He hates all changes to his routine.· The computers will record any changes to the system.change in · We are working to bring about changes in the laws concerning the rights of children.make a change · The producer wants to make some changes to the script before we get the director on board.big/major change · Labor Secretary Lynn Martin recommended major changes in the management operations of the company.
a change made to something, especially a small change which makes it different but not completely different: · I've sent the suit to a tailor for alterations.alteration to: · We're having some alterations made to our house.minor alterations (=small changes): · Your essay looks fine -- I've suggested one or two minor alterations here and there in the margin.
a change made to a system, especially a political system, in order to improve it or make it more fair: · Feminists sought legal reforms to ensure that women had genuinely equal opportunities.economic/educational/welfare etc reform: · The Socialists have promised a programme of radical political and economic reform.reform in: · Reforms in agriculture, although slow, are beginning to have an impact.reform of: · the reform of local governmentradical reform: · The revival in the island's economy has come about because of radical reforms introduced over the past three years.
the process of changing something, especially a piece of writing, by correcting it or including new information: · I've written the article, but it needs a lot of revision.· The book went through several revisions before the publisher was finally satisfied with it.revision of/to: · These amendments constitute the most significant revision of U.S. asylum law since the Refugee Act of 1980.
a situation in which a lot of changes are very quickly made in a system, company, or organization in order to make it more effective: · The department has not performed well and is badly in need of a shake-up.shake-up of: · The Administration is planning a thorough shake-up of the welfare system.
a complete change in the way a system or a group of people is organized: · The company is bringing in a team of consultants to oversee the reorganization.reorganization of: · Next came the total reorganization of the Mexican Attorney General's Office.
a small change that is made to improve or correct something a small change made to something in order to improve it or to make it more suitable for a particular purpose: · The new modifications made it the finest of aircraft.modification to: · The editor suggested a few modifications to the text.· We need to make some modifications to our teaching program.
a change to a law or rule in order to improve it: · Congress passed an amendment ensuring that the law was fairer to everyone.amendment to: · The committee proposed some amendments to the rules.
a small change made to something such as a machine, a system. or the way something looks: make adjustments to something: · The room was full of dancers, all making last-minute adjustments to their costumes.· We've had to make some adjustments to our original calculations.slight/minor adjustments: · I've made a few very minor adjustments to the decor, but in general it was excellent.
a change made in order to use something for another purpose the process of changing something from one form or system to another one so that it can be used for a different purpose: conversion into: · The company buys raw material such as wool for conversion into cloth.conversion of: · Local people are protesting about the proposed conversion of a church into a late-night bar.
the process of changing something in particular ways so that it can be used for a different purpose: adaptation of: · She was responsible for the adaptation of the book "The Witches of Eastwick" into a stage play.
a change from one thing to another · After a number of career changes, she settled into a job with a major bank.change of · The police must be notified of any change of address.· There are even more broken promises with every change of government.change to · If you are thinking about a change to a different part of the country you will need to use your vacation to look for accommodation.change from something to something · French people were asked how they felt about the change from the franc to the Euro.
a complete, and usually sudden, change from one thing to another: switch to: · A switch to completly different new foods may cause stomach upsets.switch from something to something: · The switch from political activity to family life was hard to handle.switch of: · His sudden switches of mood are difficult to deal with.
a change from one job or type of work to another: · Let's face it -- going from an academic life to the world of business is never an easy move.move to: · It's probably time to think about a move to a new job.· This picture marks the move to the big screen of some of our best television comedians.
a change to an opposite process or effect: · The profits of supermarkets declined until 1975 when a reversal began.reversal of: · This appears to be a complete reversal of government policy.· The Second World War saw a dramatic reversal of traditional attitudes towards women.reversal
a complete change in the plans of a government or political party so that it decides to do the opposite of what it originally said it would do: · The party lost all public support after a series of U-turns and policy failures.do a U-turn: · The government was forced to do a U-turn after angry protests about their taxation policy.
a gradual change from one thing to another the process of change, especially gradual change, from one state or situation to another: transition from something to something: · The transition from a communist system to a free market economy will be difficult.transition to: · It's difficult for someone who's been a stage actor to make the transition to television.make a transition: · a scheme to help families making the transition from welfare to workbe in transition (=be changing at the moment): · The textile industry is currently in transition.transition period: · The new system will be introduced gradually over a six month transition period.
a gradual but important change in the way people think about something: shift in attitude/approach/policy etc: · There has been a big shift in attitudes towards sex during the past 50 years.marked shift (=a very clear shift): · We've seen a marked shift in our approach to the social issues.shift away from: · The new emphasis on human rights was a shift away from the policies of Nixon.shift towards: · He is very worried about the shift towards free market thinking in Eastern Europe.
a general change in the way people think or behave, especially one that is happening at the moment: · If present trends continue, the earth will be considerably warmer in fifty years.· Our managers are very alert to new trends in the industry.trend towards: · There is a growing trend towards payment by credit card.· The current trend in this area is towards part-time employment.
the gradual change of a country or society towards something different: move towards/to: · There is a move towards greater equality for women in the workplace.· Planners hope to encourage the move towards increased use of public transport.· The United Nations was supposed to supervise the move to independence.move away from: · Public sector unions are likely to oppose Blair's move away from government investment in health and transport.
a gradual change, especially a political or social change, in which a lot of people are involved: movement towards: · There is a gradual movement towards tolerance and understanding.· The modern age of movement towards democracy began with the French Revolution in 1789.
not changing and always the same use this about an amount or level that remains the same over a long period: · We live next door to a busy street and there is always a constant level of noise in the background.remain/stay constant: · Unemployment is likely to remain more or less constant for the next two years.
use this about an amount that remains the same or a process that continues in the same way over a long period, especially when this is a good thing: · We drove all day at a steady 65 miles an hour.· It's important to keep the temperature of the oven at a steady high heat.a steady increase/decrease/decline etc: · The study also notes a steady decline in the number of college students taking science courses.steady growth/progress: · Economists say they expect continued steady growth throughout the year.at a steady rate: · Larger families were being rehoused at a steady rate.a steady stream of visitors/enquiries etc: · A steady stream of refugees arrived at the camp.
use this about prices, amounts, or levels that are no longer changing, after a period when they were changing a lot: · Fuel prices have become more stable after several increases last year.remain stable: · His temperature remained stable throughout the night.
use this about amounts, prices, or times that cannot be changed: · The lessons began and ended at fixed times.· In Communist Russia prices of all common commodities used to be fixed.fixed income/price/rate etc: · Workers are paid a fixed rate per hour.· a fixed-rate mortgage· "I'm retired and on a fixed income." Marson said. "I can't handle this myself, financially." fixed penalty: · The policeman told me there was a fixed penalty of $20 for driving without a rear light.
not changing even when conditions change: · the unchanging nature of God· The road ran through an unchanging desert landscape.· Here, you seem to be immersed in an unchanging rural way of life, seemingly unaffected by progress and the modern world.
difficult or impossible to change a system that is rigid is extremely difficult or impossible to change and is therefore annoying: · People naturally get very frustrated with rigid bureaucracies.· The rigid class distinctions which characterised British society are beginning to break down.· The President will not be able to meet enough people if he is kept to an unnaturally rigid schedule.· The government had centralized political power and imposed rigid controls on economic activity.
difficult or impossible to change, even when a change would be better: · The regulations are precise and inflexible in such matters.· It is a huge, inflexible and impersonal organization.
to change your decisions, intentions, or plans · No, I'm not going out tonight. I've changed my mind.· What if she changes her mind and doesn't turn up?change your mind about · If you change your mind about the job, just give me a call.· Barry hadn't changed his mind about leaving.
to feel less sure about something that you intended to do, and begin to think that it may not be a good idea: · Couples contemplating divorce often have second thoughts when they realize how it will affect their children.have second thoughts about: · It was obvious that the company was having second thoughts about the whole project.
informal to suddenly feel that you are not brave enough to do something that you intended to do: · A month before the wedding Rose seemed nervous and anxious, and I wondered if she was getting cold feet.· Some investors got cold feet, and pulled out of the project at the last minute.
to change your mind about something you have publicly promised to do, by saying that you will only do part of it or that you might not do it at all: · If union leaders start to backtrack now, they'll lose their supporters.backtrack on: · The President seems to be backtracking on some of his election promises.· There is increased pressure on Congress to backtrack on some of the welfare cuts imposed last year.
to change your opinion or belief about something to change your opinion about something or someone: · At first the doctor said I was suffering from a virus, but now he's changed his mind.· Everyone has a right to change their mind.change your mind about: · I'm hoping Dad will change his mind about Louise after he meets her tonight.· I've changed my mind about the Riviera. I do like it after all.
formal to change your opinion because something has happened that has made you realize that you were wrong before: revise your opinion about/of: · Mrs Pemberton revised her opinion of her future son-in-law when he was accepted into law school.· Since visiting the refugee camps, I have revised my opinion about immigration quotas.
to change your mind about something and talk about it in a very different way from how you did before: · She used to be a Communist, but she changed her tune when her parents left her all that money.· You've changed your tune all of a sudden! Only yesterday you were saying you thought Christmas presents were a waste of money.
when you begin to feel differently about something or someone so that your attitude completely changes: · It's hard to explain this apparent change of heart.have a change of heart: · He didn't want kids at first, but he's had quite a change of heart.change of heart about: · We can only hope Congress may have a radical change of heart about welfare benefits.
also come round British to change your mind so that you gradually begin to agree with someone else's idea or opinion, especially after they have persuaded you that they are right: · He'll come around eventually. He doesn't have any choice, does he?· My mother stopped speaking to me when I first married Tom, but she's slowly coming around now.come around to somebody's view/way of thinking: · We had to talk to Sam for a long time before he came round to our way of thinking.come around to the idea/view that: · A lot of employers are coming around to the idea that older employees have a lot to offer a company.come around to doing something: · We're hoping that they'll eventually come round to accepting our offer.
formal to say publicly or formally that you have changed your mind and stopped believing what you used to believe, especially about religion or politics: · During the Moscow Show Trials in the 1930s, prisoners were forced to publicly recant.· After the Reformation, many Catholics recanted to avoid punishment.
to keep changing your mind to keep changing your mind about what you believe or what you are going to do, especially when you have two choices and you cannot decide which one is best: · The longer you vacillate the less time you'll have to do anything worthwhile.vacillate between: · The writer seems to vacillate between approving of Collins' actions and finding them disgusting.
someone who is fickle is always changing their mind about the people or things that they like so you cannot depend on them: · She had been a great star once, but the fickle public now ignored her movies.
especially British, informal if someone blows hot and cold about something, they keep changing their attitude so that sometimes they are eager to do it and at other times they are unwilling: · I can't tell what he wants - he keeps blowing hot and cold.· In our dealings with the police we have found that they can blow hot and cold. Sometimes they are keen to have media help in solving a crime, other times they are more reluctant.
willing to change the way you do something willing to change your ideas, plans, or methods according to the situation: · If you're looking for a job you need to be flexible about where you're prepared to work.· He said the key to his business success was not forgetting to stay flexible.
someone who is adaptable does not get upset or annoyed if they have to change the way they do things, and easily gets used to new situations: · Children are often more adaptable than adults.· I'm not sure Ken's adaptable enough to take a job abroad.
to refuse to change your mind determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable: · We need to do something about Craig, but he's so stubborn I just know he wouldn't listen if we tried to talk to him.a stubborn streak (=a stubborn part of your character): · I've got a very stubborn streak and I discovered that I couldn't bear people telling me what I could and couldn't eat. stubborn as a mule (=very stubborn): · Jean-Paul can be as a stubborn as a mule.
to refuse to change your opinions or plans even though other people are trying to make you: · When you know that you are right, you have to stand firm and defend your principles.stand firm against: · We stood firm against any deal with the terrorists.stand firm on: · The president has failed to stand firm on his promise to allow gays to serve in the military.
to refuse to change your position in an argument even though other people are trying to persuade you to change it: · They tried to make him change his mind, but he stood his ground.stand your ground against: · Richard always went along with Ella's plans, never once daring to stand his ground against her.
formal refusing to do what other people want you to do, even if this is unreasonable: · For many years the South African government remained intransigent, despite mounting world opposition to apartheid.intransigent on: · The Church has been criticized for being intransigent on the issues of abortion and birth control.
unwilling to accept changes or new ideas someone who has fixed ideas has opinions and attitudes that never change, and often seem unreasonable: · These old teachers tend to have very fixed ideas.have fixed ideas about: · He has very fixed ideas about the way a wife should behave.
strongly opposed to change, especially social or political change, in a way that you think is unreasonable: · The seventy-year-old president has been condemned as reactionary by his radical opponents.· He is known for his reactionary views on immigration and the reintroduction of the death penalty.· Cultural attitudes to women were more reactionary than in most of Western Europe.
entrenched attitudes are ones that people have had for a long time and are very difficult to change: entrenched in: · The unequal treatment of men and women in the labour market is deeply entrenched in our culture. firmly/deeply entrenched: · In the small towns racial prejudice was deeply entrenched.entrenched attitudes/habits/beliefs etc: · The attitudes of adults to the mentally handicapped tend to be firmly entrenched, and difficult to change.
informal someone who has old-fashioned attitudes and is unwilling to change or try something new: · Come on, don't be such an old stick in the mud.· She accused him of being a stick in the mud.
someone who still refuses to change their beliefs even when most other people have changed them: · Apart from a few union diehards most of the men have accepted the new productivity agreement.
a group of people or an institution that is hidebound has very old-fashioned ideas and attitudes and is unwilling to change them: · It was predictable that the medical establishment, so hidebound and reactionary, would reject Dr Stone's ideas.· The hidebound attitudes of Russia's powerful aristocracy made any kind of progress impossible.
unwilling to change the way you do things not willing to change the way you think or the way you do something: · Although many students adored Albers, others found him inflexible and stifling. · Union negotiators criticized the employers for being too inflexible on the issues of pay and working conditions.
to be unable to change the way you do things because you have done them that way for a long time: · I'm too old and set in my ways to try living in a foreign country now.
someone who is rigid will never change their mind about what is right or wrong or about how things should be done: · Our manager was so rigid, he'd never listen to our ideas.· Any major changes were prevented by the rigid conservatism of the Church.rigid in your ideas/opinions/attitudes etc: · Andrew was even more rigid in his attitudes towards child-rearing than his father, who was himself quite strict.
when something that has been decided cannot be changed a decision that is final cannot be changed, especially because it has been made officially by someone in authority: · They thought carefully before making a final commitment to buy.final approval/decision etc: · The judges' decision is final.· The officials have final authority when making decisions.and that's final! spoken (=used to say that you will not change your mind about something, and do not want to hear any more about it): · You're not going out, and that's final! have the final say (=be the person who makes the final decision): · My boss has approved the project, but it's the Chief Executive who has the final say.
formal a decision or choice which is irrevocable cannot be changed after it has been made: · Her decision was immediate and irrevocable.· I posted the letter, then realized that what I had done was irrevocable, and that I couldn't change my mind now.
use this to say that what you have decided or done is permanent and cannot be changed: · You've committed your time and money to the project now -- there's no going back.· It had started as a casual affair but they both knew that now there was no going back.
with nouns · Since winning all that money he's become a very unpleasant person.· Mobile phones have now become fashion accessories for schoolkids and teenagers.
if someone or something changes or turns into someone or something else, they become completely different: · The little brown caterpillar will eventually turn into a beautiful butterfly.· She's changed into a much gentler person since she had her own kids.· During the brewing process all the sugar turns into alcohol.change from something into something: · When I went back, the countryside had changed from farmland into housing estates and factory sites.
to gradually change over a long time and become a different type of person, place, or thing: · Leo had grown into a slim blond young man since she last saw him.· In recent years the town has grown into a city of about 500,000 people.· The crowd's cheers slowly grew into a loud crescendo of noise.
to gradually change and become something or someone that is better or worse than before: · Over the years the college developed into one of the finest language institutions in all of South East Asia.· Joe had no athletic ability, and was developing into an overweight child.· 3000 troops were sent to prevent the disturbances from developing into a full-scale civil war.
to take off your clothes: take off something · "It's warm in here,'' said Michael, taking off his jacket.take something/it/them off · Take your shoes off before you come in.· Mom, I hate this tie. Can I take it off?
to take off all your clothes, especially before going to bed: · She got undressed and went to bed.
written to take off all your clothes, especially before going to bed: · Paul went into the bathroom to undress.
to take off your clothes and put on different clothes: · The boys ran up the stairs to get changed.· I'll be ready in a second, I just have to get changed.
to take off all or some of your clothes and put different clothes on: · Do you mind waiting while I change my clothes?change into: · She changed into a sweater and some jeans.change out of: · Ed went into the bedroom to change out of his work clothes.
to quickly take off all your clothes or a piece of clothing: · We stripped off and dived into the pool.strip off something: · She ran upstairs, stripped off her jeans and sweater and pulled on a dressing gown.
to take off all your clothes, especially because someone has told you to, or in a way that is deliberately sexually exciting: · The women in the club screamed and clapped as the male dancers began to strip.strip to the waist (=take off all the clothes on the top half of your body): · "I'd like you to strip to the waist so I can listen to your chest,'' said the doctor.strip (down) to your shorts, underwear etc (=take off everything except your shorts, underwear etc): · The prisoners were ordered to strip down to their underwear and wait for the guards.
to take off your clothes or a piece of clothing very quickly and roughly: tear off something: · I tore off the plastic gloves and threw them away.tear something off: · James began to undress wildly, tearing his clothes off as if he was on fire.
to exchange one thing for another to give something to someone and receive a similar thing from them at the same time: exchange addresses/telephone numbers: · We exchanged addresses and phone numbers.exchange something for something: · Foreign currency can be exchanged for sterling at any bank.
informal to exchange something with someone, especially with someone you know well, so that you each get something that you want: · Jacky had the book I wanted, but wasn't willing to swap.swap something with somebody: · Taylor offered to swap jobs with me.swap something for something: · I'm trying to sell my bike, or swap it for a slightly bigger one.
especially American to exchange something that you have for something that someone else has: · We liked each other's clothes, so we traded.trade something for something: · The West is accused of trading weapons for hostages.I'll trade you spoken (=say this when you want to exchange something): · I'll trade you my baseball for those two cars.
British an informal expression: if two people do a swap with each other they exchange things so that they each get what they want: do a swap with somebody: · If you can't work a particular shift, you can always do a swap with a colleague.
to give your old car, washing machine etc to the shop that you are buying a new one from, so that they will let you buy the new one for a slightly lower price: trade in something: · You can get quite good price reductions on new cars if you trade in your old one.trade something/it/them in: · My car was now six years old, so I traded it in and got a newer one.trade in something for: · They traded in their Porsche for a family car.
British /exchange American to exchange something you have bought or chosen because you have decided you want something different or because there is something wrong with it: · If the trousers are the wrong size you can always change them.change something for something: · Can I exchange this sweater for a black one?
to exchange something that you have for something that you want or need without giving or taking money for it: barter something for something: · In the local market, meat and vegetables are bartered for electrical goods.barter with: · She had some success in bartering with her guards.
to exchange something so that two or more things or people change the places that they are in: · He was accused of switching the price labels on goods.· Professor Rigby's talk may be switched to the main hall.switch seats/places: · We switched seats halfway through the show.
to exchange the place you are standing or sitting on with another person: change places with: · Would you mind changing places with me?
if a group of people who are dancing change partners , they stop dancing with one person and dance with another person in the group: · We agreed to change partners after a couple of dances.
modern ideas/ways of thinking having new ideas or attitudes, rather than traditional or old-fashioned ones: · They're a very modern couple -- he stays at home with the kids and she goes out to work.· The school is very modern in its approach to sex education.
using new methods to educate or bring up children, deal with social problems etc, especially when these methods are less strict than traditional ones: · She went to a progressive private school where the pupils could choose which lessons to attend.· the government's progressive policies for dealing with inner city problems
willing to use new and recently developed methods and ideas: · We like to think we're a forward-looking company that isn't afraid to use new ideas.· We need more forward-looking political thinking.
British always keen to use modern ideas and methods because you want to be successful: · Fortuna is a young, go-ahead computer company based in Düsseldorf.
to change your way of living or working so that you are using modern ideas, methods etc, even though you may not want to: · I'm not keen on having a mobile phone, but I suppose we must all move with the times.· This is a town that has changed with the times and now provides every vacation facility you could wish for.
to put something new in the place of something old, damaged, or broken · Your car's in good condition but you ought to replace the tires.· Before we move in, the place has to be redecorated and all the carpets replaced.replace something with something · They're going to replace the old wooden bridge with one made of concrete.
British to replace something, such as a piece of machinery or equipment, after it has been used for a certain length of time and is damaged or likely to be damaged: · You should check the engine carefully, renewing any parts that are worn or damaged.· It is wise to renew your water filter every month, even though it may seem to be working satisfactorily.
to replace a piece of equipment when it is broken or not working: · Can you change this light bulb for me? I can't reach.· All drivers should really know how to change a flat tire.· You should change or clean your furnace filter once a month to improve performance.
to change your direction when you are walking or driving to change your direction when you are walking or driving: · He saw a police car up ahead, so he turned and went down a side street.· Soon after leaving harbour, the ships turned and headed north.turn left/right: · Turn left at the next intersection.turn back: · It's getting late - I think we should turn back before it gets dark.turn off (=leave a street in order to go down another street): · Turn off Delaney Road just after the church.turn onto/into (=start going along another street after changing direction): · Turn onto Lowell Street, then go straight for three blocks.turn a corner: · I turned a corner and nearly ran into Caroline.
to turn while you are moving so that you start going in a different direction: · The horse abruptly changed direction, nearly throwing the rider off.· Changing direction on skis isn't difficult once you've learned the technique.
if a vehicle, ship, or aircraft changes course , it changes the direction in which it is travelling: · The yacht changed course and approached the island.· The plane must change course to avoid flying through the storm.
if a vehicle or moving object veers , it suddenly and unexpectedly changes direction: veer off/away/across etc: · The car suddenly veered across the road into oncoming traffic.· The boat was heading for the rocks but at the last minute veered off in another direction.
if a vehicle or moving object swerves , it suddenly changes direction, especially in order to avoid hitting something: · The driver swerved to avoid a child, and crashed into a signpost.swerve across/into/towards etc: · Dozens were injured when a passenger bus swerved into the wrong lane and slammed into another bus.
WORD SETSbaby carriage, nounbabyish, adjectivebaby milk, nounbaby walker, nounbib, nounbooster seat, nounbottle, nounbottle-feed, verbbouncing, adjectivebuggy, nounchange, verbcradle, nouncreche, nouncrib, nouncrib death, nouncrow, verbcut, verbday care, noundiaper, noundiaper rash, noundummy, nounexpress, verbfeed, nounfeeding-bottle, nounformula, nounfractious, adjectivehood, nounmatinée jacket, nounmilk, nounMoses basket, nounnappy, nounnightlight, nounnipple, nounnursery, nounpacifier, nounpapoose, nounperambulator, nounpoop, nounpoo-poo, nounpotty, nounpotty-training, nounpram, nounpushchair, nounrusk, nounsitter, nounsling, nounspoon-feed, verbstroller, nounswaddling clothes, nounteat, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadverbs
an abrupt change of plan There were plans afoot for a second attack. Technological advances are the chief agents of change. The schedule isn’t final, but we don’t anticipate many changes. a definite change for the better The English language is constantly changing. a proposal for constitutional reform Steve changed his name by deed poll to Elvis Presley-Smith. Dan detected a change in her mood. I changed her diaper. Three years on, Jack’s life has dramatically changed. Drastic changes are needed if environmental catastrophe is to be avoided. The country carried out far-reaching reforms to modernize its economy. I taught him how to change a fuse. impending changes in government legislation That idiot changed lanes without signalling. a noticeable improvement in air quality Reputations are not changed overnight. Mozart radically altered the structure of the opera. the rapidly changing world of technology It made a refreshing change to talk to someone new. This treatment represents a significant advance in the field of cancer research. Prices are subject to change. a sudden change in the weather They want to make sweeping changes to education policies. Rudy changed tack, his tone suddenly becoming friendly. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the play has been cancelled. Six months in Scotland would make a welcome change from London.
(=a lot)· People’s work environment has changed dramatically in the past twenty years.
· His life had completely changed since he met Anya.
· He has changed considerably in four years.
· The legal system has changed significantly since the rule was established.
· The political situation has fundamentally changed.
· The market for phones is changing rapidly.
· Things are gradually changing.
(=very quickly)· Old habits cannot be changed overnight.
nouns· The human brain adapts quickly to changing conditions.
· Changing attitudes cause traditional ways of life to disappear.
· the changing role of women in society
· Changing patterns of work mean that more people are able to work from home.
· In order to survive, you must adapt to a changing environment.
· Children are growing up in a changing world.
(=a period of time when a lot is changing)· We live in changing times.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES an abrupt change of plan (=a new address when you move to a different place)· You need to inform your bank if there’s been a change of address.
There were plans afoot for a second attack. Technological advances are the chief agents of change. The schedule isn’t final, but we don’t anticipate many changes.· The proposed dam will change the appearance of the surrounding countryside enormously.
· New owners bought the hotel and the whole atmosphere changed.
· As you get older, your attitude changes.
(=change its nappy)· Could you change the baby for me?
· Will this alter the balance of power in the EU?· His appointment shifted the government’s balance decisively to the right.
(=put a new battery in something)· You may need to change the battery in the smoke alarm.
(=put clean sheets on it)· You should change the beds at least once a fortnight.
(also modify your behaviour formal)· He has no reason to change his behaviour.
a definite change for the better· Scientists are calling for a change in the law.
· People may change careers as many as seven times in their lives.
· After ten years in the job, I realized that I needed to make a career change.
· Use the remote control to change channels.
· A changing climate will bring rising tides.
(=a permanent change in weather conditions)· The world must reduce the emissions that cause climate change.
· I usually change my clothes as soon as I get home from work.
· He only took a small bag with a change of clothes.
The English language is constantly changing. (=make changes to it)· Congress amended the constitution more than 300 times during 1992.
a proposal for constitutional reform (=at university or college)· Some students choose to change their course after the first year.
· The incident changed the course of the election.
· These were decades of rapid cultural change.
(=change money from one currency to another)· There’s usually a charge for converting currencies.
Steve changed his name by deed poll to Elvis Presley-Smith. Dan detected a change in her mood. I changed her diaper. (=start to go in a different direction)· Suddenly the birds changed direction.
· The Internet has brought dramatic changes to the way we work.
Three years on, Jack’s life has dramatically changed. Drastic changes are needed if environmental catastrophe is to be avoided. (also a shift in emphasis)· There has been a change of emphasis in the government’s foreign policy.
· The child did not once cry or change her expression.
The country carried out far-reaching reforms to modernize its economy.· He changed the focus from general to specific issues.
· The focus of the negotiations shifted to working conditions.
· Over the years, there has been a change of focus from treatment to prevention.
· A fundamental change is needed in the voting system.
I taught him how to change a fuse. (also switch/shift gears American English)· It takes some time to learn when to change gear.
· It's sometimes difficult for people to change their habits.
(=stop doing the things you have done for many years)· It is hard to change the habits of a lifetime, but you must eat more healthily or you will have a heart attack.
(=do something that has many important effects)· Roosevelt and Churchill helped to change the course of history.
impending changes in government legislation That idiot changed lanes without signalling.· You can help prevent heart disease by changing your lifestyle.
· There are many ways in which we can save energy without making dramatic lifestyle changes.
· Michael underwent one of his sudden changes of mood.
· Then his mood changed, and he laughed.
· Many immigrants changed their names to seem more American.
(=take off a baby's dirty nappy and put on a clean one)· My husband hardly ever changes the baby's nappies.
a noticeable improvement in air quality· None of my arguments could change his outlook or behavior.
Reputations are not changed overnight.· The pace of change accelerated dramatically in the early 1980s.
· Poorer pensioners experienced the greatest percentage increase in their pensions.
· We had to change our plans at the last minute.
· The day before my flight, my boss phoned and said there’d been a change of plan.
· There have been numerous policy changes in recent months.
· This decision represented a major change in policy.
· He shifted his position to get a better view of the stage.
· Since then, the party has changed its position.
· As you get older, your priorities may change.
· If that offer is serious, it will mark a radical change in policy.
Mozart radically altered the structure of the opera.· The labour market has undergone a period of rapid change over the last few years.
the rapidly changing world of technology It made a refreshing change to talk to someone new. This treatment represents a significant advance in the field of cancer research.· People resist change because they fear the unknown.
· I didn’t realise that there had been a change in the rules.
(=put clean sheets on a bed)
· The situation could change very rapidly.
· During police interviews, Harper changed his story several times.
(=start talking about something different)· She tried to change the subject.
Prices are subject to change. a sudden change in the weather They want to make sweeping changes to education policies. Rudy changed tack, his tone suddenly becoming friendly.· Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
· They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.
· The oil is affected by changes in temperature.
· Things have changed dramatically over the last few years.
· I have never changed a tyre or looked under a bonnet.
· The equipment has undergone several important design changes in recent years.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the play has been cancelled.· Your view about these things changes as you get older.
Six months in Scotland would make a welcome change from London. (=change some of the instructions in your will)· Marius had decided to change his will in her favour.
(=starts blowing from a different direction)· The wind had to change before his fighting ships could sail against the Spanish.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· The composition of the village was constantly changing as a result of short-distance mobility.· The bonus of having to traverse a network of constantly changing roads?· And clubs can't help cashing in - by constantly changing the colour and style of their football strips.· Now, to make it even more interesting, have the cars maintain the same close spacing but constantly change their formation.· However, points may be redeemed only against certain products, which are constantly changing.· It was impossible to feel loyalty to the constantly changing environment.· The scene will keep constantly changing.· In our constantly changing, global, highly technological society, collaboration is a necessity.
· Since the Earth began, 4.5 billion years ago, its atmosphere has changed dramatically.· The demographics of our population have changed dramatically over the past half-century, and particularly so over the last decade.· By 1988, however, the picture had changed dramatically.· But all that has changed dramatically.· The western diet has changed dramatically over the past few decades.· Those new standards, the product of years of work, will dramatically change the way students are taught in California.· Baits Once again this area has changed dramatically in the past 12 years.· The dynamic is going to change dramatically.
· But his replacement could change little.· It was little changed at Y142.00.· The dollar was little changed against the yen during Tokyo trading, and the government bond market barely moved.· And it's changed little over the centuries.· Bond prices were little changed in modest trading and the dollar was mixed in a muted session.· Compared with yesterday the bond was little changed, after closing at 106. 50.
· Frustration can easily occur unless members radically change their thinking to view the church-as-a-force.· It was also a sign that the days of love-ins were about to change radically.· In the not-so-distant future, technology will continue to change radically what we see and how we see it.· By the age of 30 his work had changed radically and he withdrew all his previously published music.· Mayor Michael Albano has said he wants to radically change the department.· Such an unpleasant and unanticipated development radically changes the situation, and further and more profound explanations are clearly called for.· Knowing that governments have lost their ability to shorten recessions also radically changes expectations.
· For instance, the intended subjects are boxes of plants which remain in place and do not change rapidly.· Now the rapidly changing workplace meant men had to retool routinely too.· Society was changing rapidly even if institutions like the Anglo-dominated education system were slow to admit it.· They make it impossible to respond to rapidly changing environments.· Come the mid-i980s, however, things were changing rapidly.· You ought to be viewing your product as a startup company might view whatever it was offering in a rapidly changing market.· On the other hand, things can change rapidly there.· Most businesses will compete globally iD. a rapidly changing world.
NOUN· Police procedures change, and even police attitudes change over the years.· Within the decade his attitudes begin to change.· In the last few years, attitudes have changed and society now expects smokers to wipe out 70 years of brainwashing overnight.· But such attitudes may be changing.· Today that landscape is changing, as attitudes have changed.· During and after the Reformation, attitudes changed more quickly.· But, despite the attractions of mobility, attitudes can be changed, or at least modified.· Yet, although attitudes changed, the central problem remained.
· Politicians only change their behaviour when they feel threatened.· They may also insist that the other spouse change their behaviour so that it would be more consistent with their own.· Instead you pick the most likely payoff and test to see if altering it changes the pattern of behaviour.· To change behaviour requires tactics that match the complexity of the causes.· It is likely to be more difficult to change attitudes or behaviour through advertising than to reinforce them.· If you want me to change my behaviour then I need to perceive some advantage in doing so.· Remember that people can change their behaviour but not their personalities.· Our results also suggest that awareness is not enough to change behaviour.
· The Brazos River in Texas is said to change its course abruptly once every ten years or so.· Not everyone changed, of course.· But Steve Martin did not change course for a second.· He could carry out the intricate navigational corrections, and execute the necessary flight maneuvers when it was time to change course.· The influence of the three High Elf Mages changed the course of the war.· That was changing, of course, as everything did.· About a mile away from me they change course and turn back slowly in graceful, wide curves.
· She left there just before the birth of their first child, and proceeded to change direction yet again.· Even the great Jim Brown used to change directions occasionally.· It works on the principle that the pursuer will not be able to change direction as efficiently as the prey.· As the light slows down, it also changes direction a little.· Don't younger people move, have babies, and otherwise change direction?· It was a dark night with just a glimmer of stars and a light and fickle wind which frequently changed direction.· Films rather than books were the medium to aim for-fair comment, of course, that helped me change direction.· A frustrated teacher changed career directions and obtained a position as a training officer in industry.
· Ambush marketing has changed the face of sport and sport sponsorship.· Version 3.0 and the further improved 3.1 version of Microsoft Windows have changed the face of modern Personal Computing.· The newer, so-called atypical medicines are helping change the face of mental illness, experts agree.· The M-forty extension through fifty nine miles of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire has changed the face of the countryside.· In the course of doing so he could change the face of Britain.· In 2001 compulsory quotas has changed the face of the rightwing opposition.
· They will have to change old habits and acquire new ones.· They say revolution begins at home, and right now Robert Redford is trying to get you to change your viewing habits.· The difficulty with habits is that they are difficult to change.· They did not change their exercise habits.· This makes the assumption, of course, that the plants have not changed their habits since they were fossilized.· Feedback is critical to changing writing habits.· I like the way it emphasises changing eating habits, along with exercising, too.· He changed his habits eventually and became a college president.
· If the federal government is to change the law, it will need to act quickly, while the outrage lasts.· The judges ruled that it was the job of Parliament, not the courts, to change the law.· They also worry about the law changing.· When they change the law Spike and I will marry immediately.· There hasn't been an effort to change the law since.· A collection of such material should enhance our knowledge of the factors which contributed to change in law and society.· An affronted Legislature has changed the law so that Texas governments can no longer sue those seeking records.
· It has changed my life, and the lives of my family, my friends and the people I work with.· Many of those involved with Black Mountain say that their courses with Albers changed their lives.· Revenge and the search for justice change the life of Jimmie Rainwood played by Tom Selleck.· Q: If you could change anything in your life right now, what would it be?· This show was to change my life ... for ever.· Now I know that we live in a wonderful era where you can change your life script.· But she won't let her megabucks prize change her life ... it's only worth £160.30p.· What do you need to change in your life to begin that kind of work?
· But I can't say I'd changed my mind about Celebrity Golf.· I changed my mind when everything started to end.· What tragedies must occur before he and the Minister of State will change their minds?· She would run a little, try to mount, change her mind and slow down again.· If Brian agrees to buy the car, then changes his mind, can he withdraw his acceptance?· Assigned to command the assault, Cogney had also changed his mind.· I go curly I get jealous I act reasonable I change my mind.· Exit polls also found that one in four voters had at one time supported Dole but changed their minds.
· Perhaps you could change your name to Gamboge Yellow and be a different person.· You can change this user name is you wish.· And of course she did not change my name.· Perhaps he should change his name to Loan Hart, it would be more modern.· She changed her name and moved to Atlanta.· Elga Group has changed its name to Protean and has acquired Carbolite, the electric furnace and oven specialist.· Better he should change his first name from Placido to Rapido.
· He's had to change his plans, that's all.· Faircloth is hoping this will change, once a plan to market the program to students is completed.· No logical reason, he wrote, but that will not make me change my plans once I have begun.· Response was so small, however, that she changed her plan.· Your welcome may change my plans.· But there are others who vehemently oppose changing the general plan designation in either area.· We could phone and say we've changed our plans.· No one can change their retirement plans quickly.
· Overnight, after the election, it changed its policy on coal.· The World was offered and turned down $ 350, 000 to change its shrill policy.· Similarly, changing dividend policy to yield more cash for investment needs to be handled with care.· He believed that the government recognized that it must change its policy since the old policy had not worked.· Directors said yesterday they had decided to change investment accounting policy to charge the provisions as exceptional rather than extraordinary.· Those who thought that President Herrera had changed his policy toward the United States now had their answer.· It had changed half its policies, modernised its machine, replaced two leaders.· Sensenbrenner and the team decided to see if they could change the policy.
· The decision to change the rules of precedent in the House of Lords was not a sudden one.· A bipartisan drive to change the rules for financing federal campaigns is running into stiff resistance from veteran members of Congress.· They also changed their rules of gathering, confining themselves to a fortnightly meeting during Parliament's sessions.· Get a free hand to change work rules.· Then they changed the rules, so they did the program again.· Second, the International put in a new man, Joe Manley, as secretary-treasurer, and changed the election rules.· Then they changed the rules again, so they did the program again.· Congress should resist the calls to change the rules in the middle of this game.
· The advent of a national curriculum in this country may change this situation.· But a few things are being done to change the situation.· How can those women who do become conscious of their predicament act to change their situation?· There was nothing I could do to change my situation.· I later realised I had missed a major opportunity for helping change the situation.· Industries in the United States, like those all over the world, are faced with a changing regulatory situation.· Step 9 Be quite clear in your mind how your child must change in order for the situation to improve.· In addition, a child who is aware of her anger is more likely to take assertive action to change her situation.
· With children ... And I hastily changed the subject.· They changed the subject by noting their prosecution of some highly publicized cases against the Klan and other white supremacist organizations.· He should have finished at university long ago, but he kept taking extra courses, changing subjects and things.· But after a minute or two Peter would change the subject on me again.· Then Patrick changed the subject and when they were all away on the new tack he took Rain aside.· And when I said nothing more, she abruptly changed the subject.· Sometimes we deliberately flout the charge to be relevant: to signal embarrassment or a desire to change the subject.· Like Mondale, he had to take a risk to change the subject and refocus attention.
· We have less than two months to train people and change our computer systems over the Easter period.· Such vouchers would indeed be a step toward changing the system by creating market-type controls on the demand side of the market.· I hope that a Labour Government will change that system.· Our present system is analogue and the requirement for computer system links and data transmission may justify changing to a digital system.· It will take a lot of time and work to achieve substantive changes in the regulatory system.· More and more are going into politics with the specific intention of working to change the present unjust system.· He also proposes a bipartisan commission to examine the issue as the best politically possible way to change the system.
· But today, after the disaster that has befallen a very traditional Labour strategy, things may change.· But for as long as there's an Oxford University, some things will never change.· The more things change, the more they stay the same.· So things have changed, and the change is reflected, as Snow would have wished, in the school curriculum.· He finds things have changed drastically since he graduated in 1974.· In the 1980s, however, things have changed.· You never know. Things change all the time.
· The groups are struggling to change with the times.· I think I have changed machines more times than my husband has changed cars!· Throughout the first half, the teams trade baskets, with the lead changing ten times.· What acts may be considered usual for a firm of solicitors will change with the times.· This revamping is geared toward helping workers adapt to changing times.· Their design had been changed several times before they were finally erected.· Since the cases drag on for years, the rules can change two or three times in the course of one case.
· I was hoping that perhaps human beings would change their ways after reading the stories of my life with the Houys.· They are playing appropriately coy, but there are some changes in the way each man approaches the issue.· In fact, there were lots of things she'd like to change about the way she looked, she reflected ruefully.· Those new standards, the product of years of work, will dramatically change the way students are taught in California.· The change was so significant that it actually changed the way people thought about their documents.· The Factory Commission might find them all better jobs, or change the way the mill was run.· The arsenal ship also may change the way the Navy buys warships in the future.
· But that changed with the Second World War.· But changing the World Series to a neutral site would be a much more fundamental change than any of these.· Man has greatly changed himself as a person in the same period of time by changing the world in which he lives.· All this points to a sea change in the world of computers and cyberspace.· They were determined to change the world.· That was what had changed in the world.· However, there was little doubt that it would happen, and that this revolution will change the world.· The public health infrastructure of this country is poorly prepared for the emerging disease problems of a rapidly changing world.
VERB· Perhaps you've finally begun to change, Julius.· But during the seventeenth century this traditional ordering of rank began to change.· Rhythms in old age With increasing age, our daily rhythms begin to change.· By World War I, new technology allowed the introduction of open-pit mining, and the face of Bisbee began changing for ever.· In the second half the work began to change dramatically.· But as we have seen, the way pentecostals explained the meaning of tongue speaking began to change almost immediately.· Ford began changing the way it treated its suppliers in 1980 by rating them for qual ity.· But when she accompanies Diana to the ancient Tower Abbey, she begins to change her mind.
· The move is not designed to penalise smokers or to force them to change.· Years later, Dong disclosed to me his objective had simply been to force Diem to change.· Quite suddenly, she forced Jacqui to change position.· The recent investigations, revelations, and indictments have forced the industry to change the way it conducted business for 150 years.· Now this has been forced to change.· We must try to understand this, and how quantum theory forces us to change our view of physical reality.· In doing so the literary canon is forced to change.· Hence anticipatory governments have been forced to change the incentives that drive their leaders.
· Could she claim that he needed changing?· Just because some fellow employees have gone petty does not mean that you need to change your behavior.· You do not need to start changing your health-related habits until this preparation phase of one or two weeks is complete.· Still others realized that they wanted to do the same kind of work, but needed to change how they did it.· In this country we have a process that desperately needs changing.· She realized that to use effectively the skills she enjoyed she would need to change her role in the school.· From the difficult aspects - perhaps family relationships, money or health - we find out what needs to change.· Things need to change for cowboys.
· Instead of trying to change old attitudes we can set out to design new ones which are not descendants of the old ones.· So it is that my wife, after more than 30 years of marriage, is trying to change me.· They are trying to change me into one of themselves.· If you are trying to change to a completely different field you should use a functional resume.· You've tried to change everything about her.· Margarett tried to change Shaw, and he tried to change her.· With tight defence budgets, Trinidad is trying to change the law to make use of seized assets a priority.· Margarett tried to change Shaw, and he tried to change her.
· Something that wants to change me ... something that wants me to change it.· He looks like some one who would make you want to change seats if he sat next to you on a bus.· Mitchell wanted to change the not-for-profit model and move to a more commercial approach.· You have to want to change and also believe that you can change.· The main criticism seems to be that he wanted to change things, forms of service and such like.· He is seen as being from the left of the party and he wants to change that.· In general this only a problem if you want to change leads with a weaker climber.· It now focuses only on schools that want to change.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a leopard can’t change its spots► winds of change/freedom/public opinion etc
- The theater recently changed hands.
- But even this little collection of cottage garden produce won't change hands without some stern bargaining.
- He had also been talking for ages to Broadman, and Ymor had seen a piece of paper change hands.
- In 1989, after several years of lagging profits, Lechmere changed hands as a result of a management-led leveraged buyout.
- More than 3 million shares changed hands, more than 14 times the six-month average of 204, 524 shares.
- Mr Adams's defeat in the only Northern Ireland seat to change hands was widely welcomed by nationalist and Unionist politicians.
- No money changed hands, he said.
- The price at which tenancies change hands is currently within the range £115,000 to £155,000.
- The property went into foreclosure and changed hands several times.
- He immediately changed places so he could sit next to me.
- Our lives are hard, but theirs are miserable. I would never change places.
- All the other players then change places.
- But now the two men have changed places, and the boat has worked its magic.
- Gwenellen and I changed places soundlessly.
- No, it was too late to change places at this stage of his life.
- On odd days, we changed places.
- Rabia and Zahara changed places, and Rabia now squatted between Jane's legs, watching intently.
- This is paradox, rather than metaphor: two directly opposed concepts, life and death, change places with each other.
- Why don't you change places with me?
- Newsome was originally against the plan, but later changed his tune.
- She used to be a Communist, but she changed her tune when her parents left her all that money.
- You've changed your tune all of a sudden! Only yesterday you were saying you thought Christmas presents were a waste of money.
- Chairman tells union delegates why the old enemy may be changing its tune. reports from the trades union conference at Blackpool.
- He'd soon change his tune if he thought she'd lost interest.
- However, when questioned further he quickly changed his tune.
- It also begs a question about whether the government is changing its tune?
- It was only when audiences hailed her that he changed his tune.
- What is it about soundtrack projects that makes hard rockers want to change their tune?
- When he got back, he'd changed his tune.
- Agitatedly, it changed its spots from orange to blue to green and, finally, flushed perfectly purple.
- The leopard did not change its spots, its instincts or its appetites.
- We are happy to report, therefore, that Jaguar Man appears to have changed his spots.
- At first the doctor said I was suffering from a virus, but now he's changed his mind.
- Barry hadn't changed his mind about leaving.
- Everyone has a right to change their mind.
- I'm hoping Dad will change his mind about Louise after he meets her tonight.
- I've changed my mind about the Riviera. I do like it after all.
- If you change your mind about the job, just give me a call.
- No, I'm not going out tonight. I've changed my mind.
- Use a pencil so you can erase it if you change your mind.
- What if she changes her mind and doesn't turn up?
- But if students actively dislike school, higher standards and better assessments are not going to change their minds.
- But why Zeus changed his mind and whether Prometheus revealed the secret when he was freed, we do not know.
- Carruthers, I don't know what will happen now, but I have changed my mind.
- Good software gives you the power to change your mind.
- He knew what he had to do and he got up and did it before he changed his mind.
- Pete lifted his knight but changed his mind and put it back on the board.
- Schlesinger first thought him wrong for Ratso, but changed his mind when they met in New York.
- When he met Lee the next morning at nine, he said he had changed his mind about going back.
- And he is one of the few who have never changed sides.
- Angelina wondered whether she would change sides, just to show this pompous young man what she thought of him.
- Complete the set on one arm and then change sides.
- Of course that didn't alter the fact that de Tracy had changed sides.
- Only a minority of the electorate changes sides between elections.
- Release, then change sides to repeat with the other arm and leg.
- So many families had changed sides, and she was not imprisoned, nor even a slave.
- Don't chop and change from one style to another. It confuses the reader.
- I wish they wouldn't keep chopping and changing. There's a different team on the field every week.
- I was still chopping and changing lyrics and order of jokes.
- In other words, subordinates are unsettled by a boss who chops and changes between autocracy, persuasion, consultation and democracy.
- In the past century the institutions and the external stimuli affecting the relation between finance and industry have been chopped and changed.
- So you won't have to chop and change your chops to make sure they're done evenly.
- Lurie risked a pretty big chunk of change on the race.
- Also, because it is a natural product, its textures may vary from one batch to the next.
- Like telephone charges, they can be varied from day to day and between evenings and rush hours.
- Only Limavady changed from unionist to nationalist hands, and Magherafelt moved from no overall majority to nationalist control.
- Since then virtually every small printer, and most large ones, have changed from metal to film.
- The change from flute to piccolo or viceversa occupies only a few seconds.
- The duties and powers of deans vary from university to university.
- The lower limits of normal for serum uric acid are arbitrarily defined and may vary from one lab to another.
- The prices vary from circuit to circuit, but as a rule they range from £30 for a session to £300.
- Any cyclist can climb a difficult hill: you just change gear.
- Every ten minutes or so she would hear the tortured scream of the transmission and randomly change gears.
- Mark's idea of getting her to change gear was to slip on a nurse's uniform.
- Russ Armstrong, a Middlesbrough motorcycle dealer, has also changed gear after 18 years of the road racing power game.
- They saw Jekub roll backwards, change gear with a roar, and attack the truck again.
- Volkov changed gear and increased his speed.
- We must now change gear somewhat, and ask what it would take for such relationships to be treated as satisfactory explanations.
- You need to be able to move swiftly, changing gears and learning new skills without complaining.
- A sharp eyed youngster should have no difficulty in spotting the loose change, that so often litter such areas.
- Arnold bought the club out of loose change.
- Bunny felt in his pocket, fiddling for loose change.
- Carry some loose change to make emergency public telephone calls.
- I fished around in my handbag, coming up with some loose change.
- Last night his hourly wage, about £8 in loose change was nicked from under his nose by scavenging ragamuffins.
- Pockets were emptied of loose change, parcels scanned as if for a malignant tumour and handbags rifled for evidence of evil intent.
- She would bring her loose change to Rachaela for translation into fifty-pence pieces and pounds.
- But if students actively dislike school, higher standards and better assessments are not going to change their minds.
- But why Zeus changed his mind and whether Prometheus revealed the secret when he was freed, we do not know.
- Carruthers, I don't know what will happen now, but I have changed my mind.
- Good software gives you the power to change your mind.
- He knew what he had to do and he got up and did it before he changed his mind.
- Pete lifted his knight but changed his mind and put it back on the board.
- Schlesinger first thought him wrong for Ratso, but changed his mind when they met in New York.
- When he met Lee the next morning at nine, he said he had changed his mind about going back.
- It's a stunning dress but it's meant for a woman with lots of clothes to ring the changes.
- Slicked scrunched or back-combed, you can ring the changes with these inspiring styles.
- That's because we haven't published it yet ... Yep, it's time to ring the changes.
- The owners of this modern kitchen preferred a wood appearance and so they rang the changes.
- To ring the changes, hair was sprayed at the roots and lightly backcombed for an alternative look.
- To ring the changes, try orange or lime-flavoured jellies for the cheesecake.
- With a good group ring the changes - try for different effects with new faces at the front.
- You should choose a variety of foods and ring the changes with meals.
- All this is very small change but very typical of our brother.
- Even back then forty-five cents was small change.
- For each member of the group, a small change of habit was the first step to an identity of its own.
- However, it does result in small changes in the tabulated values of the molar entropies of gases.
- Investors holding ninety-day Treasury bills experience very small changes in the value of those bills as interest rates fluctuate.
- Such small changes are invaluable in giving themes renewed vitality, while at the same time preserving unity.
- Try some of these steps: Make some small changes first.
- Very small changes make the biggest difference.
- A spare change of underclothing is desirable for those who value comfort.
- Homeless children scrounge for spare change, and newspapers carry ads from people offering their kidneys for cash.
- The bottom line: That guy on the street asking for spare change is actually doing you a favor.
- Motoring: Can R-R keep up with the times?
- The pub has made no attempt to keep up with the times ... no karaoke here ... just conversation.
WORD FAMILYadjectivechangeableinterchangeablechanged ≠ unchangedchanging ≠ unchangingchangelessnounchangeinterchangeinterchangeabilityverbchangeinterchangeadverbinterchangeably
1become different/make something different [intransitive, transitive] to become different, or to make something become different: Susan has changed a lot since I last saw her. Changing your eating habits is the best way to lose weight. The leaves on trees change colour in the autumn.change (from something) to something He changed from being a nice lad to being rude and unhelpful.change into The hissing sound gradually changed into a low hum.change somebody/something into something A witch had changed him into a mouse.change something to something Mueller changed his name to Miller when he became a U.S. citizen.2start doing/using something different [intransitive, transitive] to stop doing or using one thing, and start doing or using something else instead SYN switch: She changed jobs in May.change (from something) to something The company has recently changed to a more powerful computer system. The ship changed course and headed south. The company has had to change direction because of developments in technology. Piper awkwardly tried to change the subject (=talk about something else).3replace something [transitive] to put or use something new or different in place of something else, especially because it is old, damaged, or broken: Three boys were changing a tyre by the side of the road. When I lost my keys, we had to change all the locks.change something (from something) to something The time of the meeting has been changed from 11:00 to 10:30. How often do you change cars (=buy a new car and sell the old one)?4change your mind to change your decision, plan, or opinion about something: Her father tried to get her to change her mind.change about If you change your mind about the job, just give me a call.5change sides to leave one party, group etc and join an opposing party, group etc: It’s quite rare for politicians to change sides.6clothes a)[intransitive, transitive] to take off your clothes and put on different ones: Francis came in while Jay was changing. Change your dress – that one looks dirty.change into/out of Sara changed into her swimsuit and ran out for a quick swim. You’d better go and get changed. b)[transitive] to put a clean nappy on a baby, or to put clean clothes on a baby or small child: I bathed him and changed his diaper. Can you change the baby?7bed [transitive] to take the dirty sheets off a bed and put on clean ones8exchange goods [transitive] British English a)to take back to a shop something that you have bought and get something different instead, especially because there is something wrong with it SYN exchange American Englishchange something for something I bought these gloves for my daughter, but they’re too large. Can I change them for a smaller size? b)to give a customer something different instead of what they have bought, especially because there is something wrong with it SYN exchange American English: I’m sure the shop will change them for you.9exchange money [transitive] a)to get smaller units of money that add up to the same value as a larger unit: Can you change a £20 note? b)to get money from one country for the same value of money from another countrychange something into/for something I want to change my dollars into pesos, please.10trains/buses/aircraft [intransitive, transitive] to get off one train, bus, or aircraft and onto another in order to continue your journeychange at Passengers for Liverpool should change at Crewe.change trains/buses/planes etc I had to change planes in Denver.all change! (=used to tell passengers to get off a train because it does not go any further)11change hands if property changes hands, it starts to belong to someone else: The house has changed hands three times in the last two years.12change places (with somebody) a)to give someone your place and take their place: Would you mind changing places with me so I can sit next to my friend? b)to take someone else’s social position or situation in life instead of yours: She may be rich, but I wouldn’t want to change places with her.13gear [intransitive, transitive] to put the engine of a vehicle into a higher or lower gear in order to go faster or slowerchange (into/out of) gear Change into second gear as you approach the corner.change up/down British English Change down before you get to the hill.14change your tune informal to start expressing a different attitude and reacting in a different way, after something has happened: The question is, will the president change his tune on taxes?15wind [intransitive] if the wind changes, it starts to blow in a different direction16change your spots to change your character completely: US business has changed its spots in recent years. → chop and change at chop1(3)GRAMMARChange belongs to a group of verbs where the same noun can be the subject of the verb or its object.• You can say: · They’ve changed the password. In this sentence, ‘the password’ is the object of change.• You can say: · The password has changed. In this sentence, ‘the password’ is the subject of change.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSCOLLOCATIONSadverbsdramatically/drastically/radically (=a lot)· People’s work environment has changed dramatically in the past twenty years.completely· His life had completely changed since he met Anya.considerably· He has changed considerably in four years.significantly· The legal system has changed significantly since the rule was established.fundamentally· The political situation has fundamentally changed.rapidly/quickly· The market for phones is changing rapidly.slowly/gradually· Things are gradually changing.change overnight (=very quickly)· Old habits cannot be changed overnight.nounschanging circumstances/conditions· The human brain adapts quickly to changing conditions.changing attitudes· Changing attitudes cause traditional ways of life to disappear.the changing role of somebody· the changing role of women in societychanging patterns of work/behaviour etc· Changing patterns of work mean that more people are able to work from home.a changing environment· In order to survive, you must adapt to a changing environment.a changing world· Children are growing up in a changing world.changing times (=a period of time when a lot is changing)· We live in changing times.THESAURUSto change somethingchange to make someone or something different: · Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the situation.· Being at college has changed her – she’s much more confident now.alter especially written to change something so that it is better or more suitable: · You can alter the colour and size of the image using a remote control.· Can we alter the date of the meeting?adapt to change something slightly in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · How much would it cost to adapt the existing equipment?· You can adapt the recipe to suit your own requirements.adjust to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · How do you adjust the volume on the television?· He adjusted his tie in the mirror.modify especially written to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or use it in a different way: · He’s modified his opinions since then.· a modified version of the original programreform to change a law, system, organization etc so that it is fairer or more effective: · plans to reform the tax system· Health care needs to be completely reformed.revise to change a plan, idea, law etc because of new information and ideas: · In July, China revised the rules for foreign investment.· The findings could force the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.reorganize to change the way that a system or organization works: · We’ve had to reorganize our database.· During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.restructure to make big changes to the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: · The company has been restructured from top to bottom.to change something completelytransform to change something completely, especially so that it is much better: · Well, you’ve certainly transformed this place – it looks great!· Putin transformed the Russian economy.revolutionize to completely and permanently change the way people do something or think about something, especially because of a new idea or invention: · Computers have revolutionized the way we work.· This important discovery revolutionized our understanding of the universe.to change something in order to deceive peopledistort to explain facts, statements etc in a way that makes them seem different from what they really are: · The judge said that she had deliberately tried to distort the facts.· Don’t try to distort the truth.twist to dishonestly change the meaning of a piece of information or of something that someone has said, in order to get an advantage for yourself or to support your own opinion: · He accused reporters of twisting his words.· In her article she twisted the meaning of what I said.misrepresent to give people a wrong idea about someone or their opinions, by what you write or say: · I hope I have not misrepresented her opinion.· He’s taking legal action to stop the film, claiming it grossly misrepresents him.change something ↔ around phrasal verb to move things into different positions: When we’d changed the furniture around, the room looked bigger.change over phrasal verb to stop doing or using one thing and start doing or using another: Complete all the exercises on one leg, then change over.change over to We hope to change over to the new software by next month.change1 verbchange2 noun
changechange2 ●●● S1 W1 noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- 1989 was a year of great political change in eastern Europe.
- A lot of people are frightened of change.
- After a number of career changes, she settled into a job with a major bank.
- Does anyone have change for a five dollar bill?
- Excuse me, I think you've given me the wrong change.
- For most ordinary workers, the new tax laws represent a change for the worse.
- French people were asked how they felt about the change from the franc to the Euro.
- He hates all changes to his routine.
- Here is your change, sir.
- House plants are often sensitive to changes in temperature.
- I've got £20 and a bit of loose change as well.
- I've got a £10 note and about £5 in change.
- I can't get used to all these changes.
- I hope you've got some change for the bus, because I haven't.
- If you are thinking about a change to a different part of the country you will need to use your vacation to look for accommodation.
- Labor Secretary Lynn Martin recommended major changes in the management operations of the company.
- Many people find it hard to accept change.
- The computers will record any changes to the system.
- The delay was the result of a change in the way that we administer the grants.
- The police must be notified of any change of address.
- I expect to see major changes until it is ten years old.
- Some changes have already been introduced into schools.
- The movie pivots on not one but two such changes, and the result is exhaustingly cathartic, ultimately uplifting.
- These spectacles are in fact subject to relentless change.
- Two events occurred that ensured, for the time being at least, no such a change in Congressional attitudes would occur.
- Volatility increased, and the extent as well as the direction of change became less predictable.
THESAURUS
noun [countable, uncountable] a situation in which someone or something becomes different, or the act of making something different: · There was a sudden change in the weather.· We are living in a period of great change.· He was told to make some slight changes to his essay.
noun [countable, uncountable] a change, especially a small one that happens naturally or gradually, or one that is made in order to improve something: · I noticed a slight alteration in her behaviour.· They had to make some alterations to their original theory.
noun [countable, uncountable] a change made to a system or law in order to improve it: · He called for a reform of our outdated voting system.· Many people opposed the economic reforms.
noun [countable] a change, especially in people’s attitudes or in the way they do things, or in the position of someone or something: · a shift in public opinion about the war· There has been a noticeable shift in government policy on education.· There needs to be a major shift away from road transport to rail transport.· After he died, there was a dramatic shift in the balance of power.
a big change, especially in someone’s opinions or moods: · There has been a big swing toward the Democrats (=many more people are supporting them).· The drug can cause mood swings.
noun [countable, uncountable] a change in something – used when something changes often: · fluctuations in the value of the dollar· temperature fluctuations· fluctuations in his mood· There has been some fluctuation in productivity levels.
a great change noun [countable, uncountable] a change in which something or someone becomes completely different: · There has been a complete transformation in his attitude since he became a father.· her transformation from shy local girl to famous movie actress
noun [countable] a complete change in ways of thinking or working: · The 1970s saw the beginnings of a new technological revolution.· Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity started a revolution in scientific thinking.
noun [countable] a situation in which a lot of changes are very quickly made in a system or organization in order to make it more effective: · The department has not performed well and is badly in need of a shake-up.· The Administration is planning a thorough shake-up of the welfare system.
noun [countable] a complete change in the plans of a government or political party so that it decides to do the opposite of what it originally said it would do: · The government was forced to do a U-turn after angry protests about their taxation policy.
Longman Language Activatorto become different · She's changed a lot since she went to college.· It's amazing how much things have changed since we were young.· Her expression did not change, and she answered me calmly.· "The telecommunications industry is changing at lightning speed," said Richard Miller, the company's chief financial officer.change into · The caterpillar eventually changes into a beautiful butterfly.change from something to/into something · In the 18th century, Britain changed from a mainly agricultural society to an industrial one.change to · The lights changed to green, and the motorbike sped off.change colourBritish change color American · It was the end of September, and the leaves on the trees were starting to change color.change out of all recognition (=change completely) · The town I grew up in has changed out of all recognition.
becoming different: · I find it hard to keep up with changing fashions.· His book is concerned with the changing role of fathers.· Ansel Adams loved wide landscapes and changing light.constantly/rapidly changing: · Businesses need to be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions in a rapidly changing world.fast-changing/ever-changing (=changing quickly or frequently): · Job insecurity is widespread in the fast-changing American workplace.
to change - use this especially about someone's feelings or behaviour, or about a situation: · His mood suddenly altered and he seemed a little annoyed.· His defence lawyer said that Wilson's lifestyle had altered dramatically since the offences three years ago. · Her face hadn't altered much over the years.
to become something completely different: · In fairy tales when the princess kisses a frog, it turns into a handsome prince.· A trip to the beach turned into a nightmare for a local family yesterday.
to suddenly become cold, unpleasant etc: · The ink-black nights were turning cold, and the stars were frosty and fewer. · The protest turned violent when groups of demonstrators stormed the parliament building.
especially spoken to stop being one thing and start being something else, especially something very different: · In less than five years, he went from being a communist to being a member of the military government.· His face went from pink to bright red.· The Mexican economy went from boom to bust very quickly, with disastrous results for the people.go from bad to worse (=change from being bad to being even worse): · After Kathy lost her job, things went from bad to worse, and eventually she and Ed split up.
to change all the time or often especially spoken · His ideas about what he wants keep changing.· I'll check the regulations for you - they keep changing.· The police strongly suspected that she had been involved - her story kept changing and was filled with inconsistencies.
to change often if something varies , it changes according to what the situation is: · Ticket prices to New York vary, depending on the time of year.vary from....to: · Driving regulations vary from state to state.vary considerably/enormously/greatly (=change a lot): · Her income varies considerably from one month to the next.vary in price/quality/size etc: · Vegetables vary in quality according to the season.it varies: · "How much milk do you use a day?" "Oh, it varies."vary from day to day/week to week etc: · It hadn't been established where we'd all sleep - the location seemed to vary from night to night.
if something such as a price or amount fluctuates , it changes very often from a high level to a low one and back again: · The car industry's annual production fluctuates between 5.1 million and 9.2 million vehicles.· Cholesterol levels in the blood fluctuate in the course of a day.fluctuate wildly: · Share prices on the New York Stock Exchange often fluctuate wildly.
if something such as a system or a set of ideas is in flux or in a state of flux , it is changing a lot all the time, especially in a confusing way, so that you do not know what it will finally be like: · The computer industry is in constant flux, responding all the time to changes in technology.· Our education programme is in a state of flux, as new approaches are being developed.
often changing or likely to change feelings or conditions that are changeable change frequently so that it is difficult to know what they will be like in a short time: · You love him now, but at your age feelings are changeable.· I'm a changeable sort of person.· changeable weather
behaviour, processes, or services that are erratic change suddenly in an unexpected and surprising way, when it would be better if they remained the same: · Her behaviour was becoming more and more erratic.· Heating was difficult owing to erratic supplies of gas, electricity and water.· The company's erratic performance is a cause for some concern.
a volatile situation or character is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly: · The political situation in the Balkans is still extremely volatile.· She formed enduring friendships with women and more intense, volatile ones with men.
a person, situation, or system or government that is unstable is likely to change suddenly and become worse, because there is something wrong with their character or the way things are organized: · Regimes governed by violence are always unstable.· Was it safe to trust someone who was so emotionally unstable?
changing according to the situation - use this about amounts, prices, speeds, temperatures etc: · Demand for the company's products is variable.· The weather here is likely to be very variable.
inconsistent behaviour or work changes too often from good to bad, and you cannot trust it to be good all the time: · People feel threatened when decision-making is inconsistent and arbitrary.· A succession of injuries produced an inconsistent season for one of our best players.
conditions or situations that are unsettled change frequently so that it is impossible to make plans or know what will happen: · It is dangerous to visit there while the political situation is so unsettled.· The weather has been very unsettled lately.· Eliot led a strangely unsettled life, drifting from place to place and job to job.
someone who has changed completely use this to say that someone has changed a lot from what they were like before because of an important or powerful experience: · My father came back from the war a changed man.· She returned from her travel a changed woman.
someone who is reformed has completely changed their behaviour and stopped doing things that other people disapprove of, for example stealing or drinking too much: · Since the birth of his baby, Mark has totally reformed.· Al Pacino plays a reformed crook who gets pulled back into a life of crime.
to change something or someone to make someone or something different: · They've changed the timetable, and now there's only one bus an hour.· Going to college changed him a lot. It made him much more mature.· Having a baby changes your life completely, whatever your age.
to change something so that it is better or more suitable: · You can alter the color and size of the image using a remote control.· The border was closed, and they were forced to alter their plans.
to change some parts of a system or the way something is done, but not all of it: · Don't make any major changes yet.· I've analysed the system and made changes where I thought they were needed.make changes to/in: · You'll have to make some changes in your life - stop smoking and eating fatty food, and stop working so hard. · The manufacturer has agreed to make one or two changes to the computer's design.
to change an idea or plan because of new information: · This discovery made them revise their old ideas.· You should review and revise the plan in the light of events as they unfold.· By the time the President arrived at Keflavik, the revised speech was ready.
to make something completely different to completely change something, especially so that it is much better: · Well, you've certainly transformed this place - it looks great!transform something into something: · In the last 20 years, Korea has been transformed into a major industrial nation.totally/completely transform: · When she smiled, her face was completely transformed.
to make something become a completely different thing or make someone become a completely different kind of person: · We're planning to turn the spare bedroom into a study.· The war had turned Cassidy into a violent thug.· Edwards saved the Tivoli, an elegant 1920s art deco hotel, and turned it into a movie theatre.
also revolutionise British to completely and permanently change the way people do something or think about something, especially because of a new idea or invention: · Computers have revolutionized the way we work.· This important discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the universe.· The new technology is revolutionising the way music is played, composed and studied.
to change a process or decision so that it is the opposite of what it was before: · The longer the economic decline is allowed to go on the more difficult it will be to reverse it.· Cities are expanding and using up more and more of the desert. Our aim is to reverse this trend and to protect our open spaces.· The court of appeal reversed the original verdict and set the prisoner free.· Many of the former administration's policies were reversed by the new president.
to change a previous official decision or order so that it is the opposite of what it was before or so that it can no longer have its original effect: · The execution ended a 14-year battle to have Bannister's death sentence overturned.· Wolf was found guilty of treason, but the conviction was overturned by Germany's highest court in 1995.
to change something for a particular use or purpose to change something so that it can be used in a different way: · They have adapted their house so they can look after their disabled son more easily.· The movie was adapted by Forsyth from his own bestselling novel.adapt for: · The materials in the book can be adapted for use with older children.adapt something to do something: · These recipes can be easily adapted to suit vegetarians.
to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or to make it more suitable for a particular purpose: · We can modify the design to make it suitable for commercial production.· We all modify our speech when speaking to people in authority.genetically modify (=change the genes of plants or animals): · The biotech corporations argue that genetically modified crops will put an end to food shortages in the developing world.
to change something completely so that it has a different form and can be used for a different purpose: · We've converted the basement to give the children more room to play.convert something into something: · A Swiss company has found a way to convert animal waste into fuel.· This computer system converts typed words into speech.
also customise British to change something, such as a car or a piece of equipment, to suit a particular person or group of people: · General Motors will customize Cadillacs for special clients.· The computer programs can be customised for individual users.· customized software
to make small changes to something in order to improve it to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: · Check and adjust your brakes regularly.· I don't think the color control on this TV is properly adjusted.· The amount of any of these ingredients can be adjusted according to your taste.· "You don't have to come,'' Lewis said, as he adjusted his tie in a mirror.
to make small changes to something such as a machine, a system, or the way something looks: · You can use this tool to make adjustments in all kinds of machines.make adjustments to: · Scientists were able to locate the star by making a few minor adjustments to their original calculations.
to make small changes to something written, for example a law or legal agreement: · Programs written in languages such as BASIC are very easy to edit and amend.amend a bill/rule/law/act etc: · Congress amended the Social Security Act in 1967 to help the disabled.· The law was amended so that profits from drug dealing could be seized by the government.amend the Constitution: · To amend the Constitution voters must approve the measure in a referendum.
to check a piece of writing from beginning to end and make any changes that are necessary to improve it: · He gave his work to his friend to revise, because he found it hard to see his own mistakes.· The publisher will not accept your manuscript until it has been thoroughly revised.
to change the way something is done or organized · The government is considering changing the local voting system.· Agriculture must be changed to reduce damage to the environment.
also reorganise British to change the way that a system or organization works: · During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.· The proposals for reorganizing the company have made many people in the workforce feel very insecure.
to completely change the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: · Mr Gorbachev's attempt to restructure the Soviet economy met with criticism from traditional communists.· In the coming years a lot of money will go into restructuring the education system.
to change a law, system, or organization, so that it is fairer or more effective: · They reformed the voting system, and introduced a secret ballot.· We are working to reform the nation's prisons.
to change facts or information in a dishonest way to dishonestly change the meaning of a piece of information or of something that someone has said, in order to get some advantage for yourself or to support your own opinion: · The lawyers twisted everything I said to make it look as if I was guilty.· Every time I try to talk to him about it, he just twists everything I say.· Write very clearly so that no one can twist your meaning.
to give people a wrong idea about someone or their opinions, by what you write or say: · Your reporter has completely misrepresented my opinions about immigration.· Many women feel that the history books either ignore or misrepresent them.
to explain facts, statements etc in a way that makes them seem different from what they really are: · Newspaper readers are usually given a simplified and often distorted version of events.· These incidents were grossly distorted by police witnesses.distort the truth/the facts: · Journalists were accused of sensationalizing the story and distorting the facts.
to dishonestly change official documents or records so that they contain false information: · She falsified her birth certificate to get the job.· A whole team was kept busy falsifying official government records.· Their accounts had been falsified over a long period of time
to pretend that you think someone has said something that is not what they actually said or meant: · I didn't mean that at all -- you're just putting words into my mouth!· You're putting words into her mouth. You don't know what she thinks.
informal to dishonestly change a company's financial records, in order to steal money: · We've just found out Alec's been cooking the books.· The directors of the company made millions from cooking the books before the fraud investigators caught them.
if a government, film company etc rewrites history, it deceives people by pretending that particular historical events did not really happen or that they happened differently: · Hollywood has been accused of rewriting history, by once again denying the role played by African Americans.
easy to change methods, systems, or rules that are flexible can easily be changed if necessary: · We need a flexible management system, able to meet the changing needs of our customers.· Unions would like more flexible working hours to replace the nine-to-five, forty-hour week.· The rules are deliberately left flexible as each case is different.
a system or way of doing something that is adaptable can be changed so that it is suitable for very different uses and very different situations: · In this job you need to be adaptable and able to cope with unexpected situations.highly adaptable (=very adaptable): · Young children are highly adaptable -- I'm sure they won't mind moving to a different area.
to change what you do or use to change from one thing to another so that you have something different from what you had before: · They've changed their phone number.· We had to change the tyre because we had a flat.change to: · Japanese industry is changing to alternative marketing techniques.change from something to something: · We've changed from traditional ways of working to an automated system.change jobs/cars etc (=move from one to another): · Women have to be ambitious and willing to change jobs frequently if they want to get to the top of their profession.change direction/course (=start moving in a new direction): · I tried to follow him but he kept changing direction.change channels (=change from one programme on television to another): · If you don't like the programme you can always change channels.
to change, especially suddenly, from one thing to another: switch to: · I used to play golf but I switched to tennis to get more exercise.· It took a long time for Americans to switch to smaller cars.switch from something to something: · He switched easily and fluently from speaking English to French to German.
to change, especially gradually, from one thing to another: move from: · The book follows the life of Ann Pollock, as she moves from the optimism of young love, through the disastrous years of World War II. move from something to something: · The bank has moved from private client work to banking for large corporations.move away from something: · Many socialists were moving away from faith in revolution towards a fight for reform.
: transfer your affection/allegiance/support etc to change from loving or supporting one person, group etc to loving or supporting another: transfer to: · The generals are transferring their allegiance to their new leader.· Fed up with the disastrous performances of the team he'd been watching for years, he transferred his support to their rivals.
to change from one system to a new one, especially a more modern one: · Britain went over to decimal currency in 1971.· The factory is going over to computerised machinery and many workers are losing their jobs.
to change to a different religion: · In 1976 he converted to Islam.· Large numbers of people are converting to Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.
to keep changing from one thing to another to change repeatedly from one thing or condition to a different one and back again: alternate between something and something: · His mother would alternate inexplicably between kindness and cruelty.· The guide explained the situation, alternating between Spanish and German.alternate with: · He has periods of depression, which alternate with frenzied activity.alternate something with something: · Leroy alternated aerobic exercises with weight training to improve his stamina.
to regularly change what you do or the way you do it so that you are more effective or do not become bored: · Teachers can keep students' interest by varying their classes.· One of Dickens' great skills as a writer is the way he varies his style.· If you're bored with the trip to work, try varying your route.
if people rotate , they each do something such as a piece of work once, then another person does it, then another, and then the first person again: · We rotate -- I teach French grammar one week, and she teaches it the next.rotate a job/task etc: · We usually rotate the worst jobs so that no one gets stuck with them.
British informal to keep changing from one thing to another, in a way that annoys people: · Don't chop and change from one style to another. It confuses the reader.· I wish they wouldn't keep chopping and changing. There's a different team on the field every week.
to change your clothes to take off your clothes and put on different clothes: · The first thing I do when I get home from school is get changed.· Are you going to get changed before the party?
to take off all or some of your clothes and put some different clothes on: · I'll just change my shirt and I'll be with you in a minute.· "Have you got your bathing suit on?" "No, I'll change when we get there." change into: · She changed into a sweater and some jeans.
to change from one vehicle to another during a journey to get out of one train, bus, or plane and get into another in order to complete your journey: · Is this a direct flight or do we have to change?· Passengers for York change at Leeds.change trains/planes/buses etc: · We stopped at Los Angeles, just to change planes.
to change from one vehicle to another, as part of a journey, especially when all the other people in the vehicle do the same: · I must have lost my luggage when we transferred.transfer from/to: · The train broke down so we transferred to a bus.
when things change · There have been so many changes around here lately that I'm not sure what's happening any more.· A lot of people are frightened of change.change in · There was a sudden change in the weather.· House plants are often sensitive to changes in temperature.· The delay was the result of a change in the way that we administer the grants.social/economic/political etc change · 1989 was a year of great political change in eastern Europe.big change/major change · There have been big changes in the way languages are taught in schools.a change for the better/worse · For most ordinary workers, the new tax laws represent a change for the worse.
a change in something, especially one that has happened gradually or naturally: · The relationship between the United States and China has altered in recent years.alteration in: · She noticed the alteration in his looks and manner.· Max walked past her, without acknowledging her presence by the slightest alteration in his expression.
also turnround British a complete change from a bad economic situation to a good one, or a change from failing to succeeding: · BRITCON's turnround has been achieved by drastic reductions in manpower.· The team's dramatic turnaround is attributed to their new coach Bill Snyder.turnaround in: · The expected turnaround in the beer industry has, for various reasons, not yet occurred.
a big change in your life or in the way things are organized, especially when this causes problems and anxiety: · Moving to a different school can be a big upheaval for young children.political/social/economic etc upheaval: · The company managed to survive the economic upheavals of the last 20 years.emotional upheaval: · Changing jobs can be an exciting challenge, but it can also be a time of great emotional upheaval.
a complete change in the way of doing things or thinking, because of new ideas or methods: · They argue that our schools are failing our children, and that the education system needs a revolution.revolution in: · Einstein's General Theory of Relativity started a revolution in scientific thinking.scientific/technological/social etc revolution: · The 1970s saw the beginnings of a new technological revolution, based on microelectronics.
a complete change in something or someone, especially so that there is a great improvement: transformation of: · The transformation of the Inner Harbor included new office buildings, and a marketplace of small shops and food stalls.transformation from something to something: · Her friends and neighbors watched her transformation from shy local girl to famous movie actress.transformation in: · The last great overall transformation in American business took place between 1890 and 1910, when the modern corporation was forged.transformation into: · Today, spruced-up Times Square is in the midst of a surprising transformation into a family-oriented entertainment center. undergo a transformation: · It is rare for a person to undergo a dramatic transformation in his political thinking, but it does happen.
a change made in order to improve something · We need some changes if we are going to make this company successful.· I can't get used to all these changes.change to · He hates all changes to his routine.· The computers will record any changes to the system.change in · We are working to bring about changes in the laws concerning the rights of children.make a change · The producer wants to make some changes to the script before we get the director on board.big/major change · Labor Secretary Lynn Martin recommended major changes in the management operations of the company.
a change made to something, especially a small change which makes it different but not completely different: · I've sent the suit to a tailor for alterations.alteration to: · We're having some alterations made to our house.minor alterations (=small changes): · Your essay looks fine -- I've suggested one or two minor alterations here and there in the margin.
a change made to a system, especially a political system, in order to improve it or make it more fair: · Feminists sought legal reforms to ensure that women had genuinely equal opportunities.economic/educational/welfare etc reform: · The Socialists have promised a programme of radical political and economic reform.reform in: · Reforms in agriculture, although slow, are beginning to have an impact.reform of: · the reform of local governmentradical reform: · The revival in the island's economy has come about because of radical reforms introduced over the past three years.
the process of changing something, especially a piece of writing, by correcting it or including new information: · I've written the article, but it needs a lot of revision.· The book went through several revisions before the publisher was finally satisfied with it.revision of/to: · These amendments constitute the most significant revision of U.S. asylum law since the Refugee Act of 1980.
a situation in which a lot of changes are very quickly made in a system, company, or organization in order to make it more effective: · The department has not performed well and is badly in need of a shake-up.shake-up of: · The Administration is planning a thorough shake-up of the welfare system.
a complete change in the way a system or a group of people is organized: · The company is bringing in a team of consultants to oversee the reorganization.reorganization of: · Next came the total reorganization of the Mexican Attorney General's Office.
a small change that is made to improve or correct something a small change made to something in order to improve it or to make it more suitable for a particular purpose: · The new modifications made it the finest of aircraft.modification to: · The editor suggested a few modifications to the text.· We need to make some modifications to our teaching program.
a change to a law or rule in order to improve it: · Congress passed an amendment ensuring that the law was fairer to everyone.amendment to: · The committee proposed some amendments to the rules.
a small change made to something such as a machine, a system. or the way something looks: make adjustments to something: · The room was full of dancers, all making last-minute adjustments to their costumes.· We've had to make some adjustments to our original calculations.slight/minor adjustments: · I've made a few very minor adjustments to the decor, but in general it was excellent.
a change made in order to use something for another purpose the process of changing something from one form or system to another one so that it can be used for a different purpose: conversion into: · The company buys raw material such as wool for conversion into cloth.conversion of: · Local people are protesting about the proposed conversion of a church into a late-night bar.
the process of changing something in particular ways so that it can be used for a different purpose: adaptation of: · She was responsible for the adaptation of the book "The Witches of Eastwick" into a stage play.
a change from one thing to another · After a number of career changes, she settled into a job with a major bank.change of · The police must be notified of any change of address.· There are even more broken promises with every change of government.change to · If you are thinking about a change to a different part of the country you will need to use your vacation to look for accommodation.change from something to something · French people were asked how they felt about the change from the franc to the Euro.
a complete, and usually sudden, change from one thing to another: switch to: · A switch to completly different new foods may cause stomach upsets.switch from something to something: · The switch from political activity to family life was hard to handle.switch of: · His sudden switches of mood are difficult to deal with.
a change from one job or type of work to another: · Let's face it -- going from an academic life to the world of business is never an easy move.move to: · It's probably time to think about a move to a new job.· This picture marks the move to the big screen of some of our best television comedians.
a change to an opposite process or effect: · The profits of supermarkets declined until 1975 when a reversal began.reversal of: · This appears to be a complete reversal of government policy.· The Second World War saw a dramatic reversal of traditional attitudes towards women.reversal
a complete change in the plans of a government or political party so that it decides to do the opposite of what it originally said it would do: · The party lost all public support after a series of U-turns and policy failures.do a U-turn: · The government was forced to do a U-turn after angry protests about their taxation policy.
a gradual change from one thing to another the process of change, especially gradual change, from one state or situation to another: transition from something to something: · The transition from a communist system to a free market economy will be difficult.transition to: · It's difficult for someone who's been a stage actor to make the transition to television.make a transition: · a scheme to help families making the transition from welfare to workbe in transition (=be changing at the moment): · The textile industry is currently in transition.transition period: · The new system will be introduced gradually over a six month transition period.
a gradual but important change in the way people think about something: shift in attitude/approach/policy etc: · There has been a big shift in attitudes towards sex during the past 50 years.marked shift (=a very clear shift): · We've seen a marked shift in our approach to the social issues.shift away from: · The new emphasis on human rights was a shift away from the policies of Nixon.shift towards: · He is very worried about the shift towards free market thinking in Eastern Europe.
a general change in the way people think or behave, especially one that is happening at the moment: · If present trends continue, the earth will be considerably warmer in fifty years.· Our managers are very alert to new trends in the industry.trend towards: · There is a growing trend towards payment by credit card.· The current trend in this area is towards part-time employment.
the gradual change of a country or society towards something different: move towards/to: · There is a move towards greater equality for women in the workplace.· Planners hope to encourage the move towards increased use of public transport.· The United Nations was supposed to supervise the move to independence.move away from: · Public sector unions are likely to oppose Blair's move away from government investment in health and transport.
a gradual change, especially a political or social change, in which a lot of people are involved: movement towards: · There is a gradual movement towards tolerance and understanding.· The modern age of movement towards democracy began with the French Revolution in 1789.
not changing and always the same use this about an amount or level that remains the same over a long period: · We live next door to a busy street and there is always a constant level of noise in the background.remain/stay constant: · Unemployment is likely to remain more or less constant for the next two years.
use this about an amount that remains the same or a process that continues in the same way over a long period, especially when this is a good thing: · We drove all day at a steady 65 miles an hour.· It's important to keep the temperature of the oven at a steady high heat.a steady increase/decrease/decline etc: · The study also notes a steady decline in the number of college students taking science courses.steady growth/progress: · Economists say they expect continued steady growth throughout the year.at a steady rate: · Larger families were being rehoused at a steady rate.a steady stream of visitors/enquiries etc: · A steady stream of refugees arrived at the camp.
use this about prices, amounts, or levels that are no longer changing, after a period when they were changing a lot: · Fuel prices have become more stable after several increases last year.remain stable: · His temperature remained stable throughout the night.
use this about amounts, prices, or times that cannot be changed: · The lessons began and ended at fixed times.· In Communist Russia prices of all common commodities used to be fixed.fixed income/price/rate etc: · Workers are paid a fixed rate per hour.· a fixed-rate mortgage· "I'm retired and on a fixed income." Marson said. "I can't handle this myself, financially." fixed penalty: · The policeman told me there was a fixed penalty of $20 for driving without a rear light.
not changing even when conditions change: · the unchanging nature of God· The road ran through an unchanging desert landscape.· Here, you seem to be immersed in an unchanging rural way of life, seemingly unaffected by progress and the modern world.
difficult or impossible to change a system that is rigid is extremely difficult or impossible to change and is therefore annoying: · People naturally get very frustrated with rigid bureaucracies.· The rigid class distinctions which characterised British society are beginning to break down.· The President will not be able to meet enough people if he is kept to an unnaturally rigid schedule.· The government had centralized political power and imposed rigid controls on economic activity.
difficult or impossible to change, even when a change would be better: · The regulations are precise and inflexible in such matters.· It is a huge, inflexible and impersonal organization.
to change your decisions, intentions, or plans · No, I'm not going out tonight. I've changed my mind.· What if she changes her mind and doesn't turn up?change your mind about · If you change your mind about the job, just give me a call.· Barry hadn't changed his mind about leaving.
to feel less sure about something that you intended to do, and begin to think that it may not be a good idea: · Couples contemplating divorce often have second thoughts when they realize how it will affect their children.have second thoughts about: · It was obvious that the company was having second thoughts about the whole project.
informal to suddenly feel that you are not brave enough to do something that you intended to do: · A month before the wedding Rose seemed nervous and anxious, and I wondered if she was getting cold feet.· Some investors got cold feet, and pulled out of the project at the last minute.
to change your mind about something you have publicly promised to do, by saying that you will only do part of it or that you might not do it at all: · If union leaders start to backtrack now, they'll lose their supporters.backtrack on: · The President seems to be backtracking on some of his election promises.· There is increased pressure on Congress to backtrack on some of the welfare cuts imposed last year.
to change your opinion or belief about something to change your opinion about something or someone: · At first the doctor said I was suffering from a virus, but now he's changed his mind.· Everyone has a right to change their mind.change your mind about: · I'm hoping Dad will change his mind about Louise after he meets her tonight.· I've changed my mind about the Riviera. I do like it after all.
formal to change your opinion because something has happened that has made you realize that you were wrong before: revise your opinion about/of: · Mrs Pemberton revised her opinion of her future son-in-law when he was accepted into law school.· Since visiting the refugee camps, I have revised my opinion about immigration quotas.
to change your mind about something and talk about it in a very different way from how you did before: · She used to be a Communist, but she changed her tune when her parents left her all that money.· You've changed your tune all of a sudden! Only yesterday you were saying you thought Christmas presents were a waste of money.
when you begin to feel differently about something or someone so that your attitude completely changes: · It's hard to explain this apparent change of heart.have a change of heart: · He didn't want kids at first, but he's had quite a change of heart.change of heart about: · We can only hope Congress may have a radical change of heart about welfare benefits.
also come round British to change your mind so that you gradually begin to agree with someone else's idea or opinion, especially after they have persuaded you that they are right: · He'll come around eventually. He doesn't have any choice, does he?· My mother stopped speaking to me when I first married Tom, but she's slowly coming around now.come around to somebody's view/way of thinking: · We had to talk to Sam for a long time before he came round to our way of thinking.come around to the idea/view that: · A lot of employers are coming around to the idea that older employees have a lot to offer a company.come around to doing something: · We're hoping that they'll eventually come round to accepting our offer.
formal to say publicly or formally that you have changed your mind and stopped believing what you used to believe, especially about religion or politics: · During the Moscow Show Trials in the 1930s, prisoners were forced to publicly recant.· After the Reformation, many Catholics recanted to avoid punishment.
to keep changing your mind to keep changing your mind about what you believe or what you are going to do, especially when you have two choices and you cannot decide which one is best: · The longer you vacillate the less time you'll have to do anything worthwhile.vacillate between: · The writer seems to vacillate between approving of Collins' actions and finding them disgusting.
someone who is fickle is always changing their mind about the people or things that they like so you cannot depend on them: · She had been a great star once, but the fickle public now ignored her movies.
especially British, informal if someone blows hot and cold about something, they keep changing their attitude so that sometimes they are eager to do it and at other times they are unwilling: · I can't tell what he wants - he keeps blowing hot and cold.· In our dealings with the police we have found that they can blow hot and cold. Sometimes they are keen to have media help in solving a crime, other times they are more reluctant.
willing to change the way you do something willing to change your ideas, plans, or methods according to the situation: · If you're looking for a job you need to be flexible about where you're prepared to work.· He said the key to his business success was not forgetting to stay flexible.
someone who is adaptable does not get upset or annoyed if they have to change the way they do things, and easily gets used to new situations: · Children are often more adaptable than adults.· I'm not sure Ken's adaptable enough to take a job abroad.
to refuse to change your mind determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable: · We need to do something about Craig, but he's so stubborn I just know he wouldn't listen if we tried to talk to him.a stubborn streak (=a stubborn part of your character): · I've got a very stubborn streak and I discovered that I couldn't bear people telling me what I could and couldn't eat. stubborn as a mule (=very stubborn): · Jean-Paul can be as a stubborn as a mule.
to refuse to change your opinions or plans even though other people are trying to make you: · When you know that you are right, you have to stand firm and defend your principles.stand firm against: · We stood firm against any deal with the terrorists.stand firm on: · The president has failed to stand firm on his promise to allow gays to serve in the military.
to refuse to change your position in an argument even though other people are trying to persuade you to change it: · They tried to make him change his mind, but he stood his ground.stand your ground against: · Richard always went along with Ella's plans, never once daring to stand his ground against her.
formal refusing to do what other people want you to do, even if this is unreasonable: · For many years the South African government remained intransigent, despite mounting world opposition to apartheid.intransigent on: · The Church has been criticized for being intransigent on the issues of abortion and birth control.
unwilling to accept changes or new ideas someone who has fixed ideas has opinions and attitudes that never change, and often seem unreasonable: · These old teachers tend to have very fixed ideas.have fixed ideas about: · He has very fixed ideas about the way a wife should behave.
strongly opposed to change, especially social or political change, in a way that you think is unreasonable: · The seventy-year-old president has been condemned as reactionary by his radical opponents.· He is known for his reactionary views on immigration and the reintroduction of the death penalty.· Cultural attitudes to women were more reactionary than in most of Western Europe.
entrenched attitudes are ones that people have had for a long time and are very difficult to change: entrenched in: · The unequal treatment of men and women in the labour market is deeply entrenched in our culture. firmly/deeply entrenched: · In the small towns racial prejudice was deeply entrenched.entrenched attitudes/habits/beliefs etc: · The attitudes of adults to the mentally handicapped tend to be firmly entrenched, and difficult to change.
informal someone who has old-fashioned attitudes and is unwilling to change or try something new: · Come on, don't be such an old stick in the mud.· She accused him of being a stick in the mud.
someone who still refuses to change their beliefs even when most other people have changed them: · Apart from a few union diehards most of the men have accepted the new productivity agreement.
a group of people or an institution that is hidebound has very old-fashioned ideas and attitudes and is unwilling to change them: · It was predictable that the medical establishment, so hidebound and reactionary, would reject Dr Stone's ideas.· The hidebound attitudes of Russia's powerful aristocracy made any kind of progress impossible.
unwilling to change the way you do things not willing to change the way you think or the way you do something: · Although many students adored Albers, others found him inflexible and stifling. · Union negotiators criticized the employers for being too inflexible on the issues of pay and working conditions.
to be unable to change the way you do things because you have done them that way for a long time: · I'm too old and set in my ways to try living in a foreign country now.
someone who is rigid will never change their mind about what is right or wrong or about how things should be done: · Our manager was so rigid, he'd never listen to our ideas.· Any major changes were prevented by the rigid conservatism of the Church.rigid in your ideas/opinions/attitudes etc: · Andrew was even more rigid in his attitudes towards child-rearing than his father, who was himself quite strict.
when something that has been decided cannot be changed a decision that is final cannot be changed, especially because it has been made officially by someone in authority: · They thought carefully before making a final commitment to buy.final approval/decision etc: · The judges' decision is final.· The officials have final authority when making decisions.and that's final! spoken (=used to say that you will not change your mind about something, and do not want to hear any more about it): · You're not going out, and that's final! have the final say (=be the person who makes the final decision): · My boss has approved the project, but it's the Chief Executive who has the final say.
formal a decision or choice which is irrevocable cannot be changed after it has been made: · Her decision was immediate and irrevocable.· I posted the letter, then realized that what I had done was irrevocable, and that I couldn't change my mind now.
use this to say that what you have decided or done is permanent and cannot be changed: · You've committed your time and money to the project now -- there's no going back.· It had started as a casual affair but they both knew that now there was no going back.
money in the form of coins or notes · Whose money is this on the table?· I've left some money in the pot for your bus fare.· The thieves repeatedly demanded money and jewellery.the right money British (=the exact amount of money something costs) · This machine does not give change. Please have the right money ready.
money - use this to emphasize that you mean coins and notes, and not cheques, bank cards etc: · Thieves stole a large amount of cash, and jewellery worth £50,000.in cash: · Do you have a couple of dollars in cash?· I'll write you a cheque, and you can pay me back in cash later.pay cash (=to pay someone using notes and coins, rather than a cheque, credit card etc): · Are you paying cash for these items?· I heard she paid cash for her house back in the sixties.
money in the form of coins, or the money you get back when you pay for something with more money than it cost: · I hope you've got some change for the bus, because I haven't.· Check your change (=make sure you have been given the right amount) before leaving the shop.loose change: · I've got £20 and a bit of loose change as well.small change (=coins of low value): · You'll need some small change for the telephone.the wrong change (=when the amount of money you are given in change is incorrect): · Excuse me, I think you've given me the wrong change.change for something (=lower value coins or notes in exchange for a coin or note of a higher value): · Does anyone have change for a five dollar bill?$4/£2 etc in change (=in the form of coins): · I've got a £10 note and about £5 in change.exact change (=the exact amount of money something costs): · This toll booth is for drivers with exact change only.
WORD SETSaccelerate, verbaerodynamic, adjectiveaerodynamics, nounairfreight, nounaisle, nounarr., baggage room, nounboard, verbboarding, nounBOL, booking office, nounbrake, nounbrake, verbbrake light, nounbrake shoe, nounbreakdown clause, bulk freight, C&F, cable car, nouncable railway, nouncargo, nouncarriage, nouncarrier, nouncart, nounCFR, change, verbchange, nounchassis, nounchopper, nounCMR, compartment, nounconcourse, nounconductor, nouncongested, adjectiveconnect, verbconnection, nounconsolidator, nouncontainer, nounconveyance, nounconvoy, nouncouple, verbcoupling, nouncourier, nouncourier, verbcrash, verbcrash, nouncrew, nouncrewman, nouncruise, verbcutting, noundead reckoning, noundelivery date, departure, noundestination, noundispatch rider, noundistribution channel, diverge, verbdouble-book, verbdrop-off, noundrop-shipping, nounelevated railway, nounengine, nounengineer, nounETA, nounfare, nounfeeder, nounfirst class, nounfirst-class, adjectivefloating insurance, flow, verbFOB, FOB airport, fogbound, adjectiveFOR, fork, nounfork, verbfree of particular average, adjectivefreighter, noungangway, noungross weight, Gro t, gyroscope, nounHague Rules, nounhelmet, nounhigh-speed, adjectivehijack, verbhijack, nounhitch, verbhub airport, ICAO, intercity, adjectiveinternational airport, interstate, adjectivekph, LGV, line, nounloading, nounluge, nounluggage, nounluggage rack, nounmachine, nounmarine insurance, mileage, nounmilepost, nounmotion sickness, nounmph, mudflap, nounnavigate, verbnavigation, nounnet weight, one-way, adjectiveopen insurance, outride, verbovertake, verbpackager, nounpannier, nounpart shipment, passenger, nounpayload, nounportage, nounporter, nounpropulsion, nounramp, nounreceiving office, red-eye, nounregional airport, re-route, verbreturn, nounreturn, adjectivereverse logistics, ride, verbroller, nounround-trip, nounround-trip, adjectiveroute, nounroute, verbrun, verbrun, nounschedule, nounsecond class, nounservice, nounship, verbshipload, nounshipment, nounshipper, nounshipping, nounshuttle, nounshuttle, verbsingle, adjectivesingle, nounski, nounskid, verbskid, nounstabilizer, nounstaging post, nounstall, verbsteering wheel, nounstopping distance, nounstowage, nounsubsonic, adjectivesupersonic, adjectivesurface transport, tailwind, nountanker, nounticket, nountime machine, nountimetable, nountourist class, nountowrope, nountrack, nountrack, verbtraffic, nountranscontinental, adjectivetransfer, verbtransfer, nountransit visa, nountransportation, nountransship, travel insurance, troop carrier, nountruckload, nountunnel, nountwo-seater, nountyre, noununderway, adjectiveU-turn, nounviaduct, nounwheel, nounwheel, verbwreck, nounyaw, verbyield, verb
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives an abrupt change of plan There were plans afoot for a second attack. Technological advances are the chief agents of change. The schedule isn’t final, but we don’t anticipate many changes. a definite change for the better The English language is constantly changing. a proposal for constitutional reform Steve changed his name by deed poll to Elvis Presley-Smith. Dan detected a change in her mood. I changed her diaper. Three years on, Jack’s life has dramatically changed. Drastic changes are needed if environmental catastrophe is to be avoided. The country carried out far-reaching reforms to modernize its economy. I taught him how to change a fuse. impending changes in government legislation That idiot changed lanes without signalling. a noticeable improvement in air quality Reputations are not changed overnight. Mozart radically altered the structure of the opera. the rapidly changing world of technology It made a refreshing change to talk to someone new. This treatment represents a significant advance in the field of cancer research. Prices are subject to change. a sudden change in the weather They want to make sweeping changes to education policies. Rudy changed tack, his tone suddenly becoming friendly. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the play has been cancelled. Six months in Scotland would make a welcome change from London.
· Going to a new school is a big change for children.
· The proposed changes were relatively minor.
· There has been a gradual change in the weather.
(=very big, especially in way that is surprising)· The Industrial Revolution was a period of dramatic change.
· The change in blood pressure was not significant.
(=very noticeable)· There was a marked change in his behaviour.
· Reducing waste requires a fundamental change in attitude.
· Demands for political and social change are growing.
(=affecting many things or people, especially because of an official decision)· There are likely to be sweeping changes in the company.
(=important and having a great effect that will last a long time)· The Internet has brought about far-reaching changes in the way we work.
verbs· We've had to make some changes to the design.
· A number of changes were introduced to the curriculum.
(also effect a change formal) (=cause change)· The war brought about radical social change.· Treatment is aimed at effecting a change in the child’s negative behaviour.
· I saw a big change in her when I met her again.
(=be affected by a change)· The body undergoes a number of changes during this time.
(=be a sign of a change)· Does this move signal a change in US foreign policy?
phrases· People sometimes feel alarmed by the pace of technological change.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES an abrupt change of plan (=a new address when you move to a different place)· You need to inform your bank if there’s been a change of address.
There were plans afoot for a second attack. Technological advances are the chief agents of change. The schedule isn’t final, but we don’t anticipate many changes.· The proposed dam will change the appearance of the surrounding countryside enormously.
· New owners bought the hotel and the whole atmosphere changed.
· As you get older, your attitude changes.
(=change its nappy)· Could you change the baby for me?
· Will this alter the balance of power in the EU?· His appointment shifted the government’s balance decisively to the right.
(=put a new battery in something)· You may need to change the battery in the smoke alarm.
(=put clean sheets on it)· You should change the beds at least once a fortnight.
(also modify your behaviour formal)· He has no reason to change his behaviour.
a definite change for the better· Scientists are calling for a change in the law.
· People may change careers as many as seven times in their lives.
· After ten years in the job, I realized that I needed to make a career change.
· Use the remote control to change channels.
· A changing climate will bring rising tides.
(=a permanent change in weather conditions)· The world must reduce the emissions that cause climate change.
· I usually change my clothes as soon as I get home from work.
· He only took a small bag with a change of clothes.
The English language is constantly changing. (=make changes to it)· Congress amended the constitution more than 300 times during 1992.
a proposal for constitutional reform (=at university or college)· Some students choose to change their course after the first year.
· The incident changed the course of the election.
· These were decades of rapid cultural change.
(=change money from one currency to another)· There’s usually a charge for converting currencies.
Steve changed his name by deed poll to Elvis Presley-Smith. Dan detected a change in her mood. I changed her diaper. (=start to go in a different direction)· Suddenly the birds changed direction.
· The Internet has brought dramatic changes to the way we work.
Three years on, Jack’s life has dramatically changed. Drastic changes are needed if environmental catastrophe is to be avoided. (also a shift in emphasis)· There has been a change of emphasis in the government’s foreign policy.
· The child did not once cry or change her expression.
The country carried out far-reaching reforms to modernize its economy.· He changed the focus from general to specific issues.
· The focus of the negotiations shifted to working conditions.
· Over the years, there has been a change of focus from treatment to prevention.
· A fundamental change is needed in the voting system.
I taught him how to change a fuse. (also switch/shift gears American English)· It takes some time to learn when to change gear.
· It's sometimes difficult for people to change their habits.
(=stop doing the things you have done for many years)· It is hard to change the habits of a lifetime, but you must eat more healthily or you will have a heart attack.
(=do something that has many important effects)· Roosevelt and Churchill helped to change the course of history.
impending changes in government legislation That idiot changed lanes without signalling.· You can help prevent heart disease by changing your lifestyle.
· There are many ways in which we can save energy without making dramatic lifestyle changes.
· Michael underwent one of his sudden changes of mood.
· Then his mood changed, and he laughed.
· Many immigrants changed their names to seem more American.
(=take off a baby's dirty nappy and put on a clean one)· My husband hardly ever changes the baby's nappies.
a noticeable improvement in air quality· None of my arguments could change his outlook or behavior.
Reputations are not changed overnight.· The pace of change accelerated dramatically in the early 1980s.
· Poorer pensioners experienced the greatest percentage increase in their pensions.
· We had to change our plans at the last minute.
· The day before my flight, my boss phoned and said there’d been a change of plan.
· There have been numerous policy changes in recent months.
· This decision represented a major change in policy.
· He shifted his position to get a better view of the stage.
· Since then, the party has changed its position.
· As you get older, your priorities may change.
· If that offer is serious, it will mark a radical change in policy.
Mozart radically altered the structure of the opera.· The labour market has undergone a period of rapid change over the last few years.
the rapidly changing world of technology It made a refreshing change to talk to someone new. This treatment represents a significant advance in the field of cancer research.· People resist change because they fear the unknown.
· I didn’t realise that there had been a change in the rules.
(=put clean sheets on a bed)
· The situation could change very rapidly.
· During police interviews, Harper changed his story several times.
(=start talking about something different)· She tried to change the subject.
Prices are subject to change. a sudden change in the weather They want to make sweeping changes to education policies. Rudy changed tack, his tone suddenly becoming friendly.· Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
· They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.
· The oil is affected by changes in temperature.
· Things have changed dramatically over the last few years.
· I have never changed a tyre or looked under a bonnet.
· The equipment has undergone several important design changes in recent years.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the play has been cancelled.· Your view about these things changes as you get older.
Six months in Scotland would make a welcome change from London. (=change some of the instructions in your will)· Marius had decided to change his will in her favour.
(=starts blowing from a different direction)· The wind had to change before his fighting ships could sail against the Spanish.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· This year too was important for the Range Rover, with the biggest changes since its unveiling.· This is a big change from Cleveland, but more like what I was used to in college.· Perhaps the biggest change of all, though, has been in the City's population.· The biggest change involves 6-5, 315-pound rookie Darrell Russell making his first start.· To summarise therefore, a big change, but a happy one, and a bright future in the Norfolk countryside.· The biggest visible changes will probably be seen in television programming.· The biggest change in the band came when Dee Dee left in 1989 to become, of all things, a rapper.
· Let us, then, deal with this second aspect of the Labour Party's proposals for constitutional change.· Silvio Berlusconi and a group of Catholic parties want a widely based government to work on constitutional changes.· That is why Liberal Democrats are putting constitutional change at the heart of our election campaign.· Does he rule out any constitutional change?· This was completely different from any idea of grandiose constitutional changes.· Unfortunately, under present rules, such a constitutional change needs parliament's consent.· This would effectively give the white population a veto on all constitutional changes.· More significantly, Walesa's proposals for constitutional change were withdrawn, after amendments had weakened them.
· Changes have certainly taken place, often dramatic and painful changes, involving exploitations and deprivations.· The case touches upon decades of tradition in Dubuque, and dramatic changes affecting health care nationwide.· Anyone who has kept track of developments in this field would easily notice a dramatic change in the government's approach.· Then, during the prosperity of the 1950s, a dramatic change took place.· Instead, he left Grobbelaar's critics in no doubt that there will be no dramatic changes in that department tonight.· He added that she couldn't achieve dramatic change alone.· However, even in monolinguals, dramatic changes of persona are quite possible.· True, it has increased 25 percent in the last generation, but this is hardly the dramatic change commonly depicted.
· But now even bigger and more drastic changes are on the horizon.· To hold otherwise would mark a drastic change in our understanding of the Constitution.· This, in effect, would outlaw the inflationary creation of money - a drastic change, if it happens.· Since any small area is exposed to drastic attrition or change, these isolated species are the most frequently endangered.· The present idiotic trends can not go on for ever, and there could soon be drastic changes.· But the emotional impact of drastic life changes can never be wholly sorted out in advance.· If it's a drastic change you're after, take your time and choose a new style carefully.· Unions will disappear entirely or undergo drastic change.
· A key concept in understanding such major shifts, and relating them to wider economic change, is uneven development.· The state has become a microcosm of the economic change that has gripped the nation.· The term economic hides the fundamental point that economic change is at the same time social change.· Two further general observations can be made about the view of economic change that is held by Bell and other post-industrial writers.· One is its association with the rather questionable linear model of economic change proposed by Fisher and Clark.· This chapter has brought together many of the negative features of economic change in 1980s Britain.· Perhaps it was unrealistic to expect dramatic economic changes.
· Bagehot's work continued to be regarded as an authoritative work long after the Constitution had undergone fundamental change.· It is a costly myth, however that organization alignment must precede fundamental change.· The main weakness of these republican reforms was that they threatened fundamental change but didn't fully implement it.· In other words, they are afraid of fundamental change.· With such fundamental changes involved, a business can only be as strong as its weakest link.· Doing so, however meant managing their way through a period of fundamental change.· Six major points require fundamental design changes, perhaps costing as much as £60 million.· In this regard, fundamental changes are required in organizational patterns of scientific and technological activities in the region.
· Most legal experts believe that few, if any, further important changes affecting company pension schemes are likely to ensue.· There have been two important changes in the recent empirical studies of political participation.· The most important change must be the abandonment of tariffs, and the freeing of international food exchange.· Perhaps the most important change in Netscape Version 2 is its ability to run programs written in the Java programming language.· Some observers suggest that important changes have already occurred.· But the most important change of all needs to take place in public and government attitudes towards mental illness.· We can identify a number of important changes which have occurred: 1.· There is a big demand from social workers for more information about several important benefit changes.
· Table 17.3 illustrates a number of major changes: 1.· If you are wrong, the outcome could be a positive learning experience instead of a major career change.· But there's been a major change to this familiar scene.· The major changes will be in the food and establishing a more casual, diner-friendly atmosphere.· While it is true that no major changes have been made to the constitution, this is not through want of trying.· An attempt to pass a Republican budget that includes major changes in Medicare may occur again next month.· This does not have to be a major change, but it will be a shift of some kind.· From the 1950s to the 1990s radical changes in teaching styles reflect major changes in social and cultural values.
· This assumption makes it easier to understand some of the sudden political changes in south-eastern Britain.· He and Bourboulon could work toward the same objective, largely because of political changes then evolving in Paris.· Unemployment was obviously a factor in bringing about both long-term and short-term political changes.· There is substantial political energy inherent in the lower classes, and they are the active agents of major political change.· In large part, Labour was successful because it responded more effectively to political and structural change.· This political sea change coincided with the most dramatic incident to have occurred on the Hinkley Point site since it started operation.· True, they were seeking certain renewed observances, certain reforms and certain political changes.
· In the next decade, microcomputers will stimulate radical changes in every part of the educational system.· But sometimes one longs for her to try a radical change in direction.· They need time to digest radical change, otherwise their immediate reaction is negative.· Even a few years earlier, the prospect of radical change in the Roman Catholic Church was virtually unimaginable.· What is more, protein from plants can be cheap and need not involve you in too much radical diet change.· The fortunes of the young are always the most affected by radical economic change.· It is tempting to underestimate the scale and radical nature of changes occurring around us, socially or geographically.· These radical changes, designed to make work more rewarding, were not confined to the tax system.
· However, rapid changes are sweeping the sector and trends remain flexible.· They come into existence after relatively brief periods of rapid change in a small sub-population of a pre-existing species.· This is an important and relatively rapid change.· The key point of contention is how much change is prudent in the military, and how rapid that change should be.· In a world of rapid change they never change.· But in a time of rapid change it is difficult always to separate the two.· Video showing rapid and intensive change, for example, will need frequent reference frames to maintain an intelligible motion sequence.· It is also open-ended, in the sense of being always subject to rapid change due to innovation and importation.
· This pattern has not been altered by recent changes in village life.· Many of the recent suggestions for change have sought to whittle down that authority.· Solidarity, quite rightly, sees the recent changes as its victory.· First and foremost, we are intentionally considering a limited subset of the potential causes of recent longer-term climate change.· Or are they reflecting growing disaffection among scientists with recent changes in their profession?· No recent change in status is apparent.· There have been many recent changes in government intervention programmes causing damaging uncertainty.· Which of the many recent changes played the major part in the university disturbances of the early 1860s is unclear.
· One very significant change from Morgan we can attribute to Marx.· No significant playing rules changes are in the works.· Those changes essentially relate to a slimming down in the industry itself, but also to significant structural changes.· The most significant and expensive changes are those that go into effect Oct. 1 of this year.· Recent reforms could bring about significant changes in the organisation of the National Health Service and in the delivery of care.· The threat of lawsuits by itself is a major factor in driving up health care costs. Significant changes are definitely needed.· The net result of these antagonistic effects was that no significant change in soluble calcium was observed.· During adulthood significant changes in sleep occur.
· For each member of the group, a small change of habit was the first step to an identity of its own.· But it does permit small changes to take place and accumulate from one generation to the next.· All this is very small change but very typical of our brother.· Even back then forty-five cents was small change.· You're talking about small financial change across Oxfordshire.· But such gestures are small change.· Some small changes could well assist the introduction of electric vehicles to the market.· Investors holding ninety-day Treasury bills experience very small changes in the value of those bills as interest rates fluctuate.
· Such periods will often be found to correspond with times of particularly stressful social change for the individual.· Instead, it will be a vehicle for gradual, quiet yet profound social change.· The transformation in earlier health patterns brought about by social and medical change is obvious, and can be expected to continue.· Historians study social change and they focus on particular events for their data.· Rapid social change sweeps away centuries-old ways of doing things, creating stress and insecurity.· In spite of victory, Britain's participation in two world wars accelerated social changes, altering both social attitudes and power relations.· There are always two tasks for professionals involved in social change: to change society for the better and to change attitudes.· Further impending changes in government legislation may make the pressure experienced during the social security changes seem almost normal.
· These proposals for major structural changes had considerable appeal.· But incremental changes for women, important as they are to individuals, are not structural changes.· Those changes essentially relate to a slimming down in the industry itself, but also to significant structural changes.· Then, structural changes should be made.· In large part, Labour was successful because it responded more effectively to political and structural change.· This could have provided opportunities for structural change and review.· This is the primary reason why it has proved so hard to achieve structural change in many areas.
· Depression is sometimes brought on by a sudden change in one's life, such as coming into a Home.· A sudden change in water temperature can also be lethal.· What they hadn't bargained for was a sudden and dramatic change in the weather.· Saigon had always gone through sudden changes of mood, and this was simply one of those changes.· A smaller organisation might be prone to sudden policy changes or changes of product when a new management team takes over.· But a sudden change came over the spirit of his dreams.· If water is alternately sunlit and shaded, sudden changes take place.
· The nineteenth century was a period of extensive technological and social change, characterised by faith in progress and ` Modernity.· The loss was caused by technological change and the amplifying feedback loop of responses to that change.· We will follow the process of search, formulation and implementation of technological change.· But aside from such trifling accomplishments, the superhero is also symbolic of an era of remarkable technological change.· But improved communications, technological change, and increased demand led to concentration of food production in fewer and greater units.· The computer appears to make work more efficient; technological change seems to be enhancing worker productivity at an unprecedented pace.· In addition, she emphasises the broader historical context of political, technological and cultural change within which photography developed.· The pace of technological change is quickening.
NOUN· But even if that could be achieved, it would not halt climate change.· Unfortunately, climate records do not go back far enough to be very useful toward understanding climate change.· As Jubilee 2000 draws to a close next month, climate change has been mooted as a possible successor issue.· Yet, in a cruel paradox, it is the world's poorest countries that stand to suffer most from climate change.· However, the uncertainties concerning the extent of climate change and the implications at local level allow political procrastination.· The iniquitous climate change levy continues to be a real issue.· The survey was carried out against a background of growing concern as to the implications of climate change on sea level rise.· The projections build in the ability of farmers to adapt to climate change by changing crops and farming methods.
· It eased p to 34p on the news with investors also awaiting confirmation of a planned name change to Signet.· City officials were hoping the name change would help curb the prostitution which festered in the area during the 1970s.· After that date any name changes will incur an Amendment Fee - see page 11.· There have been a lot of name changes in retailing lately, he noted.· The former Teesside Polytechnic celebrated its name change by releasing hundreds of balloons into the sky above Middlesbrough.· Hansen says the name change will bring new life to the ballpark.· Another name change came in 1973, to Health and Social Service Journal.· An industry insider said the name change was likely to take place at the end of March.
VERB· Even if they do not cut effective costs, they will bring about changes in patterns of demand for services.· It was arguably one of those times, rare in recent years, that a California law helped bring change nationwide.· Step 11 Draw up and then implement your plan for bringing about change.· He had it explained to him, and was told only that the death of Robespierre had brought a considerable change.· This time however government attempts to bring about change have been more determined and enduring.· There are many ways in which parenthood can bring change, Schoen says.· What has brought about the change in Mr Gorbachev?· For many, the shift brought dramatic changes.
· Efforts are best directed towards ensuring correct use rather than suffering the disruption caused by frequent change.· We can predict an increase in equilibrium price greater than that caused by either change taken separately.· The information systems project will cause changes to the roles of employees and in working relationships.· Small things cause great changes in fragile lives.· All the changes are autonomous in the sense that they are not themselves caused by changes in income or interest rates.· A change in operating personnel should not cause any change in quality control values. 67.· At a chemical level this is untrue, because different chemical agents cause different kinds of change.· Typically a woman experiences either postpartum blues, caused by hormonal changes, or postpartum depression, caused by a chemical imbalance.
· Kim has managed to exploit the barrage of pressure from abroad to force through changes.· Such language suggests that the riots were less about forcing material change than about making symbolic gestures.· Town are forced to make a change.· Injuries to the left side could force changes against the Saints.· High-profile action is the quickest way to force change.· Hanes and Sparta managers and supervisors had been trying to force change from the outside.· But for the majority of teachers, the converse is true and changes in assessment are forcing changes in the curriculum.· This fact alone would force many changes in our schools.
· Propensity to take an unfair advantage of available opportunities by those who lead the change.· Bob eventually took a different union assignment that would allow him to spend the time needed to lead change with John.· This is likely to lead to radical changes in the committee's procedures, which could be implemented next year.· It could lead to changes in the way biologists monitor the species, as well as efforts to boost the dwindling population.· The clinical and research developments which have led to changes in the official policy will now be described.· From an outside viewpoint, the therapy led to few changes.· Even so we do not expect such spells to lead to permanent changes in our lifestyle.· My own nomination for leading cause is the change in the nature of work.
· It must be designed to constitute an essential component of those forces making for positive change in our country.· To make these changes, you must have a copy of your printer manual, and you must be cautious.· Hadleigh are forced to make several positional changes with players out through injury and the international at Twickenham.· And so far, no one had taken personal responsibility for making change happen.· Some people, therefore, need make no changes to their pension arrangements.· It was time to make a major change of plan.· Midlands have also made a late change.· All things considered, it seemed like the wrong time in my life to risk making yet another major change.
· A similar change is occurring in and out of Britain.· If one talks to Quebecers it is clear that a profound change in attitudes has occurred.· Registered images are used to assess the degree of change that has occurred during the time-period represented by the two images.· It is not necessary for changes to occur in each of the three areas to consider a significant response as having occurred.· The principles of learning theory provide a prima-facie explanation of the linguistic changes which occur during childhood.· Our study describes for the first time the secretory and circulatory changes occurring with the progression of pancreatitis induced by caerulein infusion.· In well ventilated theatres it is unlikely that any colour change will occur unless accidental spillage should take place.· Nevertheless changes must have occurred even in this route, for, during the fourth century, it was partly built over.
· The human species has probably not undergone much genetic change in recorded time.· A human being can undergo only so many changes and take in only so many experiences.· The exterior decorations on the synthetic white-stone face underwent repeated changes.· When proteins are denatured, they undergo a change in their tertiary structure.· The ships of these fleets had also undergone a radical change.· Both the computer and financial services industries were undergoing rapid change.· All living organisms age, undergoing certain physiological changes as they do so.· Of course, Horcher, a freshman with less than six months of service, would undergo a change of his own.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► get no change out of somebodyPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a leopard can’t change its spots► winds of change/freedom/public opinion etc
- Beggars were asking for small change.
- The program costs $20 million a year, small change in Washington.
- All this is very small change but very typical of our brother.
- Even back then forty-five cents was small change.
- For each member of the group, a small change of habit was the first step to an identity of its own.
- However, it does result in small changes in the tabulated values of the molar entropies of gases.
- Investors holding ninety-day Treasury bills experience very small changes in the value of those bills as interest rates fluctuate.
- Such small changes are invaluable in giving themes renewed vitality, while at the same time preserving unity.
- Try some of these steps: Make some small changes first.
- Very small changes make the biggest difference.
- As any woman could tell you a change of clothes or hairstyle can instantly change the way people think about you.
- But I decided I wanted a change of clothes in the morning and my own bed that night.
- Clarisa passed him over to me at the window seat so she could pull out a change of clothes.
- Contrite, she backed off, collecting a change of clothes from her bag.
- Dominic could dress quickly when a change of clothes was called for.
- This does not necessarily mean paying out a lot of money for several totally new changes of clothes.
- With a change of clothes and some food, he set off in search of fools.
- Don't chop and change from one style to another. It confuses the reader.
- I wish they wouldn't keep chopping and changing. There's a different team on the field every week.
- I was still chopping and changing lyrics and order of jokes.
- In other words, subordinates are unsettled by a boss who chops and changes between autocracy, persuasion, consultation and democracy.
- In the past century the institutions and the external stimuli affecting the relation between finance and industry have been chopped and changed.
- So you won't have to chop and change your chops to make sure they're done evenly.
- Lurie risked a pretty big chunk of change on the race.
- Also, because it is a natural product, its textures may vary from one batch to the next.
- Like telephone charges, they can be varied from day to day and between evenings and rush hours.
- Only Limavady changed from unionist to nationalist hands, and Magherafelt moved from no overall majority to nationalist control.
- Since then virtually every small printer, and most large ones, have changed from metal to film.
- The change from flute to piccolo or viceversa occupies only a few seconds.
- The duties and powers of deans vary from university to university.
- The lower limits of normal for serum uric acid are arbitrarily defined and may vary from one lab to another.
- The prices vary from circuit to circuit, but as a rule they range from £30 for a session to £300.
- Any cyclist can climb a difficult hill: you just change gear.
- Every ten minutes or so she would hear the tortured scream of the transmission and randomly change gears.
- Mark's idea of getting her to change gear was to slip on a nurse's uniform.
- Russ Armstrong, a Middlesbrough motorcycle dealer, has also changed gear after 18 years of the road racing power game.
- They saw Jekub roll backwards, change gear with a roar, and attack the truck again.
- Volkov changed gear and increased his speed.
- We must now change gear somewhat, and ask what it would take for such relationships to be treated as satisfactory explanations.
- You need to be able to move swiftly, changing gears and learning new skills without complaining.
- A sharp eyed youngster should have no difficulty in spotting the loose change, that so often litter such areas.
- Arnold bought the club out of loose change.
- Bunny felt in his pocket, fiddling for loose change.
- Carry some loose change to make emergency public telephone calls.
- I fished around in my handbag, coming up with some loose change.
- Last night his hourly wage, about £8 in loose change was nicked from under his nose by scavenging ragamuffins.
- Pockets were emptied of loose change, parcels scanned as if for a malignant tumour and handbags rifled for evidence of evil intent.
- She would bring her loose change to Rachaela for translation into fifty-pence pieces and pounds.
- But if students actively dislike school, higher standards and better assessments are not going to change their minds.
- But why Zeus changed his mind and whether Prometheus revealed the secret when he was freed, we do not know.
- Carruthers, I don't know what will happen now, but I have changed my mind.
- Good software gives you the power to change your mind.
- He knew what he had to do and he got up and did it before he changed his mind.
- Pete lifted his knight but changed his mind and put it back on the board.
- Schlesinger first thought him wrong for Ratso, but changed his mind when they met in New York.
- When he met Lee the next morning at nine, he said he had changed his mind about going back.
- It's a stunning dress but it's meant for a woman with lots of clothes to ring the changes.
- Slicked scrunched or back-combed, you can ring the changes with these inspiring styles.
- That's because we haven't published it yet ... Yep, it's time to ring the changes.
- The owners of this modern kitchen preferred a wood appearance and so they rang the changes.
- To ring the changes, hair was sprayed at the roots and lightly backcombed for an alternative look.
- To ring the changes, try orange or lime-flavoured jellies for the cheesecake.
- With a good group ring the changes - try for different effects with new faces at the front.
- You should choose a variety of foods and ring the changes with meals.
- All this is very small change but very typical of our brother.
- Even back then forty-five cents was small change.
- For each member of the group, a small change of habit was the first step to an identity of its own.
- However, it does result in small changes in the tabulated values of the molar entropies of gases.
- Investors holding ninety-day Treasury bills experience very small changes in the value of those bills as interest rates fluctuate.
- Such small changes are invaluable in giving themes renewed vitality, while at the same time preserving unity.
- Try some of these steps: Make some small changes first.
- Very small changes make the biggest difference.
- A spare change of underclothing is desirable for those who value comfort.
- Homeless children scrounge for spare change, and newspapers carry ads from people offering their kidneys for cash.
- The bottom line: That guy on the street asking for spare change is actually doing you a favor.
- Motoring: Can R-R keep up with the times?
- The pub has made no attempt to keep up with the times ... no karaoke here ... just conversation.
WORD FAMILYadjectivechangeableinterchangeablechanged ≠ unchangedchanging ≠ unchangingchangelessnounchangeinterchangeinterchangeabilityverbchangeinterchangeadverbinterchangeably
1things becoming different [countable, uncountable] the process or result of something or someone becoming different: I find it hard to cope with change. scientists worried about climatic changechange in changes in the immigration laws A change in personality may mean your teenager has a drug problem.change of a change of temperature No major changes were made to the book.change for the better/worse (=a change that makes a situation better or worse) There was a change for the better in the patient’s condition.social/political/economic etc change the sweeping political changes after the fall of communism She had a change of heart (=change in attitude) and decided to stay. Family life has undergone dramatic change in recent years.2from one thing to another [countable] the fact of one thing or person being replaced by another: The car needs an oil change.change of a change of government a change of addresschange from something to something the gradual change from grasslands to true desert The government has made some major policy changes.3pleasant new situation [singular] a situation or experience that is different from what happened before, and is usually interesting or enjoyablechange from The morning was cool; a welcome change from the heat of the day before.for a change How about dinner out for a change?it/that makes a change (=used to say that something is better than and different from usual) ‘Ron’s buying the drinks.’ ‘That makes a change.’change of scene/air/pace etc (=when you go to a different place or do something different) The patients benefit greatly from a change of scenery.a change is as good as a rest (=used to say that starting to do something different is as good as having a rest)4money [uncountable] a)the money that you get back when you have paid for something with more money than it costs: Here’s your change, sir. b)money in the form of coins, not paper moneyin change I have about a dollar in change. Matt emptied the loose change from his pockets. A beggar asked for some spare change (=coins that you do not need). c)coins or paper money that you give in exchange for the same amount of money in a larger unitchange for £1/$10 Excuse me, have you got change for a pound?make change American English (=give someone change) Can you make change for $20?► see thesaurus at money5small change a)coins you have that do not have a high value: I only had about a pound in small change. b)used to emphasize that something is a small amount of money when it is compared to a larger amount: The program costs $20 million a year, small change by Washington standards.6change of clothes/underwear etc an additional set of clothes that you have with you, for example when you are travelling7train/bus/aircraft [countable] a situation in which you get off one train, bus, or aircraft and get on another in order to continue your journey: Even with a change of trains, the subway is quicker than a cab at rush hour.8get no change out of somebody British English spoken to get no useful information or help from someone: I wouldn’t bother asking Richard – you’ll get no change out of him. → ring the changes at ring2(6)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesbig/major· Going to a new school is a big change for children.slight/small/minor· The proposed changes were relatively minor.gradual· There has been a gradual change in the weather.dramatic/drastic/radical (=very big, especially in way that is surprising)· The Industrial Revolution was a period of dramatic change.significant· The change in blood pressure was not significant.marked (=very noticeable)· There was a marked change in his behaviour.fundamental· Reducing waste requires a fundamental change in attitude.social/political/economic etc change· Demands for political and social change are growing.sweeping changes (=affecting many things or people, especially because of an official decision)· There are likely to be sweeping changes in the company.far-reaching changes (=important and having a great effect that will last a long time)· The Internet has brought about far-reaching changes in the way we work.verbsmake a change· We've had to make some changes to the design.introduce a change· A number of changes were introduced to the curriculum.bring (about) change (also effect a change formal) (=cause change)· The war brought about radical social change.· Treatment is aimed at effecting a change in the child’s negative behaviour.see/notice/observe a change· I saw a big change in her when I met her again.undergo a change (=be affected by a change)· The body undergoes a number of changes during this time.signal a change (=be a sign of a change)· Does this move signal a change in US foreign policy?phrasesthe pace/rate of change· People sometimes feel alarmed by the pace of technological change.THESAURUSchange noun [countable, uncountable] a situation in which someone or something becomes different, or the act of making something different: · There was a sudden change in the weather.· We are living in a period of great change.· He was told to make some slight changes to his essay.alteration noun [countable, uncountable] a change, especially a small one that happens naturally or gradually, or one that is made in order to improve something: · I noticed a slight alteration in her behaviour.· They had to make some alterations to their original theory.reform noun [countable, uncountable] a change made to a system or law in order to improve it: · He called for a reform of our outdated voting system.· Many people opposed the economic reforms.shift noun [countable] a change, especially in people’s attitudes or in the way they do things, or in the position of someone or something: · a shift in public opinion about the war· There has been a noticeable shift in government policy on education.· There needs to be a major shift away from road transport to rail transport.· After he died, there was a dramatic shift in the balance of power.swing a big change, especially in someone’s opinions or moods: · There has been a big swing toward the Democrats (=many more people are supporting them).· The drug can cause mood swings.fluctuation noun [countable, uncountable] a change in something – used when something changes often: · fluctuations in the value of the dollar· temperature fluctuations· fluctuations in his mood· There has been some fluctuation in productivity levels.a great changetransformation noun [countable, uncountable] a change in which something or someone becomes completely different: · There has been a complete transformation in his attitude since he became a father.· her transformation from shy local girl to famous movie actressrevolution noun [countable] a complete change in ways of thinking or working: · The 1970s saw the beginnings of a new technological revolution.· Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity started a revolution in scientific thinking.shake-up noun [countable] a situation in which a lot of changes are very quickly made in a system or organization in order to make it more effective: · The department has not performed well and is badly in need of a shake-up.· The Administration is planning a thorough shake-up of the welfare system.U-turn noun [countable] a complete change in the plans of a government or political party so that it decides to do the opposite of what it originally said it would do: · The government was forced to do a U-turn after angry protests about their taxation policy.