Meaning & use
alters
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“alters” is a form of “alter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Changes something, often slightly, or makes it different.
Grammar: Takes an object: She alters the dress.
Patterns
- alter something
- alter something to do something
She alters her schedule to attend the meeting.
The tailor alters the suit to fit perfectly.
Climate change alters weather patterns around the world.
verbintransitive
Changes by itself; becomes different.
Grammar: No object; often used with over time: His attitude altered.
Patterns
- alter over time
- alter with something
His mood altered when he heard the news.
The landscape alters with the seasons.
Her opinion altered after reading the report.
Word forms
| third person singular | alters |
|---|---|
| past tense | altered |
| past participle | altered |
| -ing form | altering |
Common combinations
- alter course
- The captain altered course to avoid the storm.
- alter appearance
- She altered her appearance with a new haircut.
- alter plans
- They altered their plans due to the rain.
- alter significantly
- The new policy altered the system significantly.
- alter the fact
- Nothing can alter the fact that we were late.
Synonyms and how they differ
- change
- More general; change is broader and can be used for any difference, while alter often suggests a small or partial change.
- modify
- Often used for deliberate, intentional changes to improve something; alter is more neutral.
- adjust
- Suggests a small change to make something fit or work better; alter is more general.
Opposites
Word family
- alteration noun
- A change made to something.
- unaltered adjective
- Not changed; remaining the same.
- alterable adjective
- Capable of being changed.
Commonly confused: alters or altar? alters or altar?
alters vs altar
A noun meaning a table or raised structure used in religious ceremonies; not the same as the verb alters.
alters vs altar
Also a noun; do not confuse with alters, which is a verb form.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'alters' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The verb 'alters' is transitive here and takes a direct object ('the dress'); the other options have incorrect preposition or missing 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “alters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.