Language Research

change · verb

/tʃeɪndʒ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: change

Adjectives: changeable, interchangeable, unchanged, changing

Verbs: change

change (START SOMETHING NEW)

A1 I or T to stop having or using one thing, and start having or using another

Dictionary examples:

She's just changed jobs.

I hope they can change the time of my interview.

The doctor has recommended changing my diet.

Learner example:

I changed job last month, and now I'm working in [a] nursery. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Polish)

change (DIFFERENT)

A2 I or T to become different, or to make someone or something become different

Dictionary examples:

The course changed my life.

I almost didn't recognize her - she'd changed so much.

That was twenty years ago and things have changed since then.

Nothing changes, does it - I've been away two years and the office still looks exactly the same.

Learner example:

My room doesn't change. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

change (CLOTHES)

A2 I or T to take off your clothes and put on different ones

Dictionary examples:

You don't need to change - you look great as you are.

I'll just change into something a bit smarter.

Give me five minutes to change out of my work clothes and I'll come out with you.

How often do you think he changes his shirt?

Learner example:

You can change your clothes here. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

change (JOURNEY)

A2 I or T to get off a train, bus, etc. and catch another in order to continue a journey

Dictionary examples:

I had to change (trains) twice to get there.

Change at Peterborough for York.

Learner example:

On the return flight from Los Angeles, I had to change plane[s] in Paris. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

change (MONEY)

A2 T to get or give someone money in exchange for money of a different type

Dictionary examples:

Could you change a £20 note for two tens, please?

I need to change my dollars for/into pounds.

Learner example:

Can I change money for US dollars there? (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

change (IN SHOP)

B1 T to take something you have bought back to a shop and exchange it for something else

Dictionary example:

I had to change those trousers I bought for a bigger pair.

change your mind

B1 to change a decision or opinion

Dictionary examples:

If you change your mind about coming tonight, just give me a call.

When I first met him I didn't like him but I've changed my mind.

Learner example:

After the first lesson, I changed my mind. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

change the subject

B2 to start talking about a different subject

Dictionary example:

I'd tried to explain the situation, but he just changed the subject.

Learner example:

Well, changing the subject, I accidentally broke your beautiful vase. I'm really sorry, I'll try to find [another] vase that looks similar. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

change · noun

/tʃeɪndʒ/

Word family

Nouns: change

Adjectives: changeable, interchangeable, unchanged, changing

Verbs: change

change (DIFFERENCE)

A2 C or U when something becomes different, or the result of something becoming different

Dictionary examples:

Let me know if there's any change in the situation.

We're living in a time of great change.

They've made a lot of changes to the house.

Learner example:

Really, this bedroom needs a big change. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

change (SOMETHING NEW)

A2 C or U when you stop having or using one thing and start having or using another

Dictionary examples:

I've told the school about our change of address.

This country needs a change of government.

Learner example:

The reason for the change of class was mainly the teacher. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

change (MONEY)

B1 U the money which is returned to someone who has paid for something which costs less than the amount that they gave

Dictionary example:

I think you've given me the wrong change.

Learner example:

First of all, I helped selling tickets and drinks and there I realized how bad my maths is - I took such a long time to give back the change! (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

change (COINS)

B1 U money which is coins rather than notes

Dictionary examples:

She gave me £5 in change.

My dad always used to carry a lot of loose/small change in his pocket.

Learner example:

He asked me if I had any change. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

a change of clothes

A2 a set of clean clothes you can put on if you need to take off the ones you are wearing

Dictionary example:

Make sure you bring a change of clothes.

Learner example:

If you want you can bring an extra change of clothes so we can get wet. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

change (NEW EXPERIENCE)

B1 usually no plural something which is pleasant or interesting because it is unusual or new

Dictionary examples:

It's nice to see her smile for a change.

"Shall we eat in the garden?" "Why not - it'll make a change."

We've always had a red car - it's time we had a change!

Learner example:

Last year the college had a sports day so this year we should have a party in a disco for a change. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

a change of heart

C2 If you have a change of heart, you change your opinion or feelings about something.

Dictionary example:

At first he said he wouldn't help us, but he seems to have had a change of heart.

Learner example:

The narrator didn't tell her big secret to Inder Lal and after a change of heart she decides to keep the baby. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)