Change — TOEFL Academic Vocabulary
Change Five high-utility words with the full apparatus: pronunciation, both definitions, natural + academic examples, collocations, family, mistakes — then a 10-question set quiz.
alter /ˈɔːltər/ verb B2
Meaning: to change something a little
Academic meaning: to modify a variable, condition, or structure, usually in a limited or specific way
Natural example: She altered the dress so that it fit her better.
Academic example: Altering the temperature by just two degrees changed the outcome of the reaction.
Collocations: alter the results · alter significantly · alter the structure of
Synonyms: change, modify, adjust
Antonyms: preserve, maintain
Word family: alter (verb) · alteration (noun) · altered (adjective)
⚠ Common mistake: Confusing 'alter' with 'altar' (a religious table) — a very common spelling error in student writing.
Register: neutral to formal · Usage: Often used when a change is deliberate and partial, especially to plans, designs, or experimental conditions.
transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/ verb B2
Meaning: to change something completely
Academic meaning: to cause a fundamental change in the form, nature, or structure of a system
Natural example: The renovation transformed the old house into a bright, modern home.
Academic example: The internet has transformed the way scientific results are shared.
Collocations: transform into · completely transform · transform the way
Synonyms: convert, revolutionize, reshape
Antonyms: preserve, maintain
Word family: transform (verb) · transformation (noun) · transformative (adjective)
⚠ Common mistake: Using 'transform' for small changes — it implies a dramatic, thorough change; for minor changes, use 'alter' or 'modify'.
Register: neutral; common in academic and media writing · Usage: Frequent patterns: 'transform X into Y' and 'transform the way people…' — both signal total rather than partial change.
modify /ˈmɑːdəˌfaɪ/ verb B2
Meaning: to change something in a small way, usually to improve it
Academic meaning: to make limited changes to a design, method, or model, usually to improve it or adapt it to new conditions
Natural example: He modified his car so that it would use less fuel.
Academic example: The researchers modified the questionnaire after the pilot study revealed confusing questions.
Collocations: modify the design · slightly modify · modify a method
Synonyms: adjust, alter, adapt
Antonyms: keep, preserve
Word family: modify (verb) · modification (noun) · modified (adjective)
⚠ Common mistake: Using 'modify' for a complete change — it means a limited, partial adjustment, often to something that already works.
Register: neutral to formal; common in technical and academic writing · Usage: Frequent in methods writing, where procedures are described as 'modified' versions of earlier published ones.
shift /ʃɪft/ verb B2
Meaning: to move or change from one place, state, or direction to another
Academic meaning: to undergo or cause a significant change in position, direction, emphasis, or distribution
Natural example: He shifted in his chair, trying to get comfortable.
Academic example: In recent decades, employment has shifted from manufacturing to services.
Collocations: shift from … to … · shift focus · shift towards
Synonyms: move, change, transfer
Antonyms: remain, stabilize
Word family: shift (verb) · shift (noun) · shifting (adjective)
⚠ Common mistake: Knowing 'shift' only as a physical movement or a work period — in academic texts it most often means a gradual change in patterns or emphasis.
Register: neutral; very common in academic trend descriptions · Usage: The classic trend pattern is 'shift from A to B': attention, demand, or employment 'shifted from print to digital'.
remain /rɪˈmeɪn/ verb B1
Meaning: to stay the same; to continue to be in a particular state
Academic meaning: to persist in a state or condition despite change elsewhere or the passage of time
Natural example: Please remain seated until the plane comes to a complete stop.
Academic example: Despite decades of research, the cause of the phenomenon remains unclear.
Collocations: remain unchanged · remain unclear · remain stable
Synonyms: stay, continue, persist
Antonyms: change, vary
Word family: remain (verb) · remaining (adjective) · remainder (noun) · remains (noun)
⚠ Common mistake: Using 'remain' with a direct object — it is a linking verb followed by an adjective or noun: 'the situation remains unclear', not 'remains the unclear'.
Register: neutral to formal · Usage: The standard contrast anchor in change descriptions: 'Prices increased, while wages remained constant.'