The document discusses different verbs that can be used to describe changes in English, classifying them into verbs that describe either complete/sudden changes or minor changes. Verbs like "switch", "swap", and "transform" are used for complete changes, while verbs like "adapt", "alter", and "adjust" describe more minor changes. Examples are provided to illustrate the meaning and proper usage of each verb in the context of changes.

1. In English there are more than 12
different verbs that mean “CHANGE”

2. I’ve been to England many times, but on my last visit I
decided to bring my car. I found it almost impossible to
adapt to driving on the left with a left-hand drive car. For
one thing, I had to adjust all my mirrors and I still couldn’t
see very much. In the end I decided to switch to a right-
hand drive car. Fortunately I had an English friend who
was going to Italy, so we swapped cars. It took me a while
to get used to changing gear with my left hand, but after
that it just transformed my whole attitude to driving in
England. Of course, these things can vary a lot from
person to person.

3. I’ve been to England many times, but on my last visit I
decided to bring my car. I found it almost impossible to
adapt to driving on the left with a left-hand drive car. For
one thing, I had to adjust all my mirrors and I still couldn’t
see very much. In the end I decided to switch to a right-
hand drive car. Fortunately I had an English friend who
was going to Italy, so we swapped cars. It took me a while
to get used to changing gear with my left hand, but after
that it just transformed my whole attitude to driving in
England. Of course, these things can vary a lot from
person to person.

4. We can classify these verbs into
two different groups, according
to whether the change is
COMPLETE/SUDDEN or
MINOR

5. IF THE CHANGE IS COMPLETE OR
SUDDEN:
switch
swap
transform
convert
transfer
These changes can affect either
SOMEONE or SOMETHING

6. SWITCH:
to change from doing or using one thing
to doing or using another
She started studying English, but switched
to French.
After the robbery, the gang switched cars.

8. SWAP:
to give something to someone and get
something in return
[= exchange]
She swapped addresses with the
people we met.

10. TRANSFORM:
to completely change the appearance,
form, or character of something or
someone, especially in a way that
improves it
The new system will transform the
entertainment industry.
Whenever a camera pointed at her, she
would transform into a radiant star.

12. CONVERT:
Change in form, character or opinion:
What’s the formula to convert pounds
into kilos?
He converted to Catholicism.

13. .

14. .

15. TRANSFER:
Move from one place to another:
He’s been transferred to a psychiatric
hospital.
After a year he was transferred to
University College, Dublin.
To make something the legal property of
another person:
She transferred the house to her daughter
before she died

18. WHEN THE CHANGE IS MINOR:
Changes that affect either SOMEONE or
SOMETHING:
adapt
shift
Changes that affect SOMETHING:
alter
vary
adjust
modify
amend

19. ADAPT:
change to suit different conditions or
uses:
We had to adapt our plans to suit his new
timetable.
To become familiar with a new
situation:
It took me a while to adapt to my new job

20. .

21. .

22. SHIFT:
change from one position to another
or change direction:
The wind is expected to shift to the East.
Media attention shifted onto environmental
issues.

24. ALTER:
change some of the characteristics/
change the size of clothes:
Giving up our car has altered our lifestyle.
 I altered the trousers I bought, they
were too long.

26. VARY:
change in amount or level depending
on the situation:
Cooking times may vary slightly,
depending on your oven.
• Some people give a regular monthly
donation, others vary the amount they
give.

27. .

28. ADJUST:
change to make it more correct,
effective or suitable:
adapt to a new situation
•If the chair is too high, you can adjust it.
•My parents had trouble adjusting to living in
an apartment.
As a teacher you have to adjust your methods to
the needs of slower children.

30. .

31. .

32. MODIFY:
change to improve it or to make it
more acceptable:
The system encourages offenders to
modify their behaviour.

33. .

34. .

35. AMEND:
change words of a text (especially legal
documents):
MP’s were urged to amend the law.

38. Choose the correct answer
or answers in the following
questions:

39. It’s a very useful bag because you can
… the strap.
a)adapt b)change c)adjust d)tranform

40. It’s a very useful bag because you can
… the strap.
a)adapt b)change c)adjust d)tranform

41. The motor car has … the lives of
millions of people.
a)changed b)switched c)transformed
d)adjusted

42. The motor car has … the lives of
millions of people.
a)changed b)switched c)transformed
d)adjusted

43. Old people sometimes find it difficult
to ... to change
a)swap b)switch c)adapt d)alter

44. Old people sometimes find it difficult
to ... to change
a)swap b)switch c)adapt d)alter

45. We were going to visit my uncle but he
is ill so we had to … our plans.
a)change b)alter c)vary d)switch

46. We were going to visit my uncle but he
is ill so we had to … our plans.
a)change b)alter c)vary d)switch

47. We used to have an electric cooker but
then we … to gas.
a)swapped b)switched c)changed
d)altered

48. We used to have an electric cooker but
then we … to gas.
a)swapped b)switched c)changed
d)altered

49. The dress was made of a lovely
material but it was too big so I had to … it
a bit.
a)transform b)alter c)adjust d)vary

50. The dress was made of a lovely
material but it was too big so I had to … it
a bit.
a)transform b)alter c)adjust d)vary

51. My work … so much from week to
week that I never get bored.
a)adjusts b)changes c)varies d)adapts

52. My work … so much from week to
week that I never get bored.
a)adjusts b)changes c)varies d)adapts

53. If we … places, you’ll have a much
better view.
a)change b)adjust c)alter d)swap

54. If we … places, you’ll have a much
better view.
a)change b)adjust c)alter d)swap

55. To finish, complete each sentence with a suitable verb:
1)If you wash a woollen jumper in hot water, it will …
2)If you take ice cream out of a freezer, it will soon …
3)If you put sugar in hot coffee, it will …
4)If you heat metal, it will …
5)If you put a carpet in a sunny room, the colours will
gradually …
6)If you remove a plaster, a cut will soon …
FADE, CURE, SHRINK, MELT, EXPAND, INCREASE, DISSOLVE, REDUCE,
GROW, HEAL, DECLINE, SWELL

56. 1)If you wash a woollen jumper in hot water, it will
SHRINK
2)If you take ice cream out of a freezer, it will soon
MELT
3)If you put sugar in hot coffee, it will DISSOLVE
4)If you heat metal, it will EXPAND
5)If you put a carpet in a sunny room, the colours will
gradually FADE
6)If you remove a plaster, a cut will soon HEAL

57. Now, turn to page 27 in your coursebook and
try to do exercise C