Here are 28+ commonly used expressions with “change”. They include collocations and idioms. You should use them to make your English sound more natural. I’m sure you’ll memorize and use them frequently. 🙂
Big / significant / considerable / revolutionary / drastic / important / major/ radical change
Mobile phones have undergone a revolutionary change in the past decade.
I doubt they have a future together unless they make some major changes.
Complete / systematic / minor / long-term / short-term / sudden / gradual / seasonal change
Gradual changes will bring more stability to the company.
Everybody was surprised by a sudden change.
Climate change
Meaning: changes in our planet’s climate (it’s getting warmer) due to high levels of gases.
The effects of climate change include more frequent droughts and wildfires.
Bring about change
Meaning: to cause or create change.
The only way to bring about change in the company is to employ new people.
28+ Expressions with “change”
Career change
Meaning: to change your job to a different kind of job.
Paulie’s made a career change. She’s opening a restaurant.
A change for the better / worse
I believe that this year will bring a change for the better.
The weather is changing for the worse. It was a sunny morning and look at these clouds now.
A change of heart/mind
Meaning: to change your feelings and opinion about something.
UK Brexit change of mind appeared first on Cyprus Mail.
Sara planned to buy a new car but when she realised how expensive it is, she had a change of heart and bought a used one.
Change clothes/shoes
I’m all wet. I’ll change my clothes.
Change trains/planes
We changed trains in Budapest.
28+ Expressions with “change”
Change of scene
Meaning: to move to a different surrounding or just travel somewhere for a change.
Everyone needs a change of scene sometimes. Why don’t you go away for the weekend?
Change the subject
Meaning: to change the topic of the conversation.
I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Can we change the subject?
Change jobs
Meaning: get a new job.
Your job includes lots of hazards. I think you should change jobs.
Change your tune
Meaning: to change your attitude on something completely.
He was against the project, but he changed his tune when he realized how much money it could bring.
Change your mind
Meaning: to change your opinion.
At first, I didn’t want to go to the party, but then I changed my mind.
Change your ways
Meaning: to start improving your behaviour for the better.
If he wants to stay and work in this company, he’ll have to change his ways.
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In English, the verb ‘change’ means to alter or modify. Change is about making someone or something different, or perhaps replacing something. So, all these change idioms and sayings have the same theme.
It may be easy to guess the meaning of some of these expressions which include the word ‘change’. Others might be harder to understand, but we have included a definition for each and used it in a sentence to make things clearer.
This list will focus on idioms about change but there are plenty of idioms talking about the future that you may also find helpful while we’re on this topic.
Change idioms
A change of heart
If you have a change of heart, it means you no longer have the same opinion or thoughts about something. It may even be a complete reversal in how you feel or what you intend to do.
“After she heard all her friends had joined the drama club she had a change of heart and joined too.”
Change your tune
Some of these change idioms have much the same meaning. When you change your tune you simply adopt a different opinion or begin to act in a different way. It’s very similar to a change of heart.
“Oh, last week you were so certain it was want you wanted. Why have you changed your tune?”
Take a look at some more musical idioms here!
A change of scene / scenery
Change idioms can be about your personal characteristics or thoughts but this one is more about your surroundings. When you need a change of scene you are simply looking to move to different surroundings.
It could be something immediate, like spending some time away from your desk while at work. But this idiom about change can also be used to discuss bigger life choices, like getting a new job or moving to a new house, city, or even country!
‘I’ve been working and living in London for so long, I really need a change of scenery.”
This saying is similar to a ‘change is as good as a rest’, which is explained further down.
Sometimes, people achieve a temporary change of scene by taking a vacation. If this is what you are planning, take a look at some travel idioms too.
A leopard can’t change its spots
A leopard is a large wild cat born with yellow fur and beautiful black spots. These spots will stay with it for life. When you apply the fact that a leopard can’t change its spots to people, you are commenting that people can’t change their personalities or (bad) habits.
“Please don’t get back with your ex-boyfriend. No matter what he says, I believe that a leopard can’t change its spots.”
You may also hear different versions of this animal idiom including the fact that tigers or zebras can’t change their stripes. They all mean the same thing.
Also, did you know this expression has a Biblical connection? We have plenty of other Biblical idioms to look through as well.
You don’t change horses in the middle of the race
Here’s another of the idioms about change linked to politics or governments. It suggests that you shouldn’t change leaders or government when times are hard.
“The country needs a strong leader right now. It’s best we don’t change horses in the middle of the race.”
The saying you don’t change horses in the middle of the race was made popular by Abraham Lincoln in 1864.
A change is as good as a rest
The old English proverb a change is as good as a rest describes the fact that sometimes just modifying something like your job is as helpful as taking a break from it.
“Instead of quitting, why don’t you think about moving departments? A change may be as good as a rest.”
This is just one example of many good idioms in English.
The times they are a-changing
This is not so much of an idiom, but a popular saying made famous in the song of the same name, written by Bob Dylan. When people say that the times (they) are a-changing, they are simply referring to something changing over time; usually something to do with popular opinion, governments or laws.
“I’m glad we voted in a new school president. I can really feel that the times are a-changing!’
There are plenty more idioms about time which we have covered separately.
A chunk of change
When learning idioms about change, it’s important to know that ‘change’ can also have another meaning connected to money. While the noun ‘change’ usually refers to the money you receive back after paying for something, a chunk of change means a large amount of money.
“Your new car must have cost a chunk of change.”
Other times you may hear the word ‘change’ connected to money is when you pay for an item with an amount more than it is worth. You will receive the difference back so that you pay the correct amount. This returned money is your ‘change’. If you are given back less than was due to you, you could say you were ‘short-changed’.
‘Change’ can also refer to lower-value, lose coins. If someone needs some small coins, perhaps to put into a machine, they will ask you if you have any change. And someone might ask if you can spare some change if they are struggling financially and would like you to give them some money.
There are lots of other idioms about money for you to explore later.
More idioms about change
Break the mold
A mold is a hollow shape into which you pour a liquid such as plaster or jelly/jello. When it sets, it hardens to create a solid in the form of the mold.
When you break the mold, it means you are no longer being restricted by a particular expectation. You are doing something different to the norm instead of feeling the need to fit in or be the same as everyone else.
“I need to break the mold and try a new look.”
Reinvent the wheel
It’s said the wheel is the greatest invention of all time; therefore, there’s no need to recreate it. So to reinvent the wheel is to spend a lot of time and effort working on an alternative to something that is already fit for purpose.
“I know we are supposed to be pioneers in innovation, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”
Turn over a new leaf
Most idioms about change are positive in their meaning. So when you turn over a new leaf you are saying you want to change, start anew or to act in a better way.
“I’m going to really try to turn over a new leaf next year.”
With the connection of leaves falling from the tree this expression may be used in autumn. In fact there are plenty of autumn and fall idioms to enjoy.
Start from scratch
When you start from scratch you simply start from the beginning or start all over again.
“I think it’s time we start from scratch as the first attempt didn’t work out well.”
Jump on the bandwagon
Do you know a friend who always joins in with something just because it’s popular? Or a friend who supports whichever team is currently winning? Then they would be accused of jumping on the bandwagon – changing their opinion and joining something simply because it’s fashionable and not because of a genuine interest.
“Just because Manchester United is winning the league, there’s no need to jump on the bandwagon and become a fan!”
Out with the old, in with the new
This a great idiom about change which marks a turning point or milestone in the process. You could use it when making New Year’s resolutions, clearing out your home, or making changes at work.
Out with the old, in with the new applies to abandoning old ideas, ways, things or practices and replacing them with new items or a fresh way of being and thinking.
“I think the company is trying to make some changes in personnel. Out with the old, in with the new, so to speak!”
“She’ll never get over her ex while she still has all those things that remind her of him. It’s time for a clear out: out with the old, in with the new!”
Fresh blood / new blood / young blood
A lot of change idioms apply to work situations and are good examples of business idioms. Any of the versions fresh, new or young blood may be used when new people are brought into a company to help generate different ideas or alter the energy within a team.
“What the football team needs is fresh blood. Some new players would make a big difference.”
We hope you found this list of change idioms helpful and you’ll be able to use some new ones as you expand your English vocabulary. Once you have mastered these, take a look at some transition words which we also use to switch between ideas or talk about changes.
Do you want to be more confident using English? Why not try Grammarly’s free proofreading tool. It checks as you write and helps you correct and improve your spelling and grammar.
One to change it, and one to initiate a probe into the possible involvement of President Duterte in the old light bulb’s ‘death.’
When implementing changes in structure, system, or process; individual change has a mediating role because change starts with individual change, and unless the majority of individuals change their attitudes or behaviors, no organizational change occurs (Alas, 2007).
* A consolidated group member changing to or from a 52-53-week tax year is not eligible for automatic consent for such change, unless the requested year is identical to the consolidated group’s tax year.
In April 2006, CMS released «Artifacts of Culture Change,» a 70-page document that includes a scorecard covering 79 CMS-defined «artifacts.» Labeled «Compliance and Culture Change in LTC,» the scorecard is intended to help providers measure their success in implementing CMS’s measurements defining culture change.
To create a context of contemporary change in the classroom, a written assignment was structured to mimic a characteristic of complexity theory.
According to Anne Hass in Configuration Management Principles and Practices, configuration «derives from the Latin com-, meaning ‘with’ or ‘together,’ and figurare, ‘to form.'» Loosely interpreting that, she says, configuration means «to form from a relative arrangement of parts.» Hass defines configuration management as the «unique identification, controlled storage, change control, and status reporting of selected intermediate work products, product components, and products during the life of a system.»
I will review the important role that Earth Science plays in the climate change debate and suggest ways in which we should respond to the intense societal interest in the debate.
The successful implementation of change is facilitated when your organization’s culture, systems, and structures support and reinforce the new vision, objectives, and behaviors.
Advocates are demanding changes to assure the same protections as afforded other citizens, while others believe they can reveerse social change by enshrining penalties and fostering stigma on the alternative families involved.
In this model, [B.sub.1] estimates the slope of the preintervention data, [B.sub.2] estimates the slope of the postintervention data, and [B.sub.3] estimates the change in level of outcome as the difference between the estimated first point postintervention and the extrapolated first point postintervention if the preintervention line was continued into the postintervention phase.
Under IAS 8, Accounting Policies and Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (www.iasb.org/uploaded_files/documents/8_63_ias08-sum.pdf), a change in accounting policy should be applied retrospectively, and the cumulative effect of the adjustment should be reflected in the opening balance of equity for the period.
In Preparation, the person undertakes serious planning to engage in behavior change within a set period of time, say one month.
In addition to his bias for change, de Brabandere has one for speed, as well.
«Climate change could undo even the little progress most African countries have achieved so fat in terms of development,» says Anthony Nyong, a professor of environmental science at the University of Jos in Nigeria.
Statement 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable.
How can you talk about change in English?
Here are lots of ways you can use idioms of change to sound more like a native speaker.
blow away the cobwebs = literally to get rid of the webs that spiders make, this idiom means to do something which makes your mind “cleaner” and fresher: “After sitting in the same chair for five hours, I wanted to go out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs.”
like a breath of fresh air = someone or something who has new, fresh ideas or behaviour: “After working for the old boss for 20 years, the new boss seems like a breath of fresh air.”
out with the old, in with the new = to change the old for the new: “We have a new CEO who wants to make his mark on the company. Out with the old, in with the new.”
new blood = to have fresh people and ideas in an organisation: “In an effort to get new blood into our research department, we’re having a recruitment drive.”
shake things up (a shake up) = to change things a lot: “The government are having a shake up of their education policies.”
give something a new lease of life = to renew something so that it lasts longer: “Those tablets have given our pet dog a new lease of life.”
breathe new life into = to give new energy to something: “This sports club needs to increase its members to breathe new life into our finances.”
New views
get a fresh perspective = to get a different point of view: “Let’s ask the sales department for their opinion. The can bring us a fresh perspective.”
see things from a different angle = to consider something from a different point of view: “Let’s try to see this problem from a different angle.”
Starting again
go back to square one = to have to start again because something didn’t work: “Well, so much for trying! I suppose it’s back to square one.”
go back to the drawing board = to have to start again because something didn’t work: “Unfortunately the plans didn’t work out. We’ll have to go back to the drawing board.”
start with a clean sheet = to have another chance, perhaps because you have made serious mistakes: “He’s paid for his mistakes, and now he can start with a clean sheet.”
make a fresh start / make a clean break = to start something again: “Let’s put the problems behind us and make a fresh start.”
Some other expressions with change
a change is as good as a rest = it’s often as refreshing to make a change than it is to have a break
a change for the better / worse = a change that results in either a better or a worse situation
a change of heart = when you change your mind on something: “I’ve had a change of heart. I think I’ll stay in my present job, after all.”
loose change / spare change = coins in your pocket: “Do you have any spare change for the parking meter?”
small change = money of little value: “I’ve got about 5 euros of small change in my pocket.”
Here you will learn English phrases related to change. You will also expand your vocabulary by learning 7 other verbs you can use to say TO CHANGE in English.
English Collocations related to CHANGE
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If there was no change, we would not exist. Change is a necessary part of life and you need to know how to talk about changes in English. Let’s have a look at some English expressions and phrases related to change.
How to Talk about Changes in English — Phrases Related to Change
change a light bulb
probably, one of the most common phrases related to change in English. If the light does not work (an electric light) in your overhead light or lamp (desk lamp or wall lamp) then you need to replace it with a new one. We change a light bulb.
change a nappy
Anyone with children will know all about this. Young children are not toilet trained (they do not know how to use the toilet) and therefore we constantly need to keep them clean and dry particularly after feeding them.
Old fashioned nappies when my children were young were made of cloth or towelling so not only did you change them but you also had to wash them (yes, I know!!).
However, today we use Pampers or Huggies or some other brand of disposable nappies that once used and disposed of can be replaced with a clean one. So we change a nappy.
change your mind
Once you have decided on something you might decide on another action and this is known as changing your mind, changing from an earlier decision to another action or event.
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change jobs
We all change our workplace several times during our working life. Some people more than others until they find their dream job. So when you move from one employer to another you change jobs.
change clothes
We have different outfits that we like to wear on different occasions. We wear work clothes for work, training clothes for going to the gym and casual clothes when relaxing. I will change my clothes and be with you in a minute.
change a wheel / a tyre
When you are driving a car and you get a puncture (there is no air in your tyre) you have to stop and change the wheel.
All cars have a spare wheel in the boot and this is used to replace the punctured or damaged wheel.
If the tyre is ripped (cut) then you may need to buy a new tyre and the garage will change it for you.
Other Words for Change in English
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to alter
We alter clothes that are too long or not wide enough. We go to a tailor and they alter (adjust) to fit us better.
I bought a new suit. The trousers were too long. The man in the shop measured them and promised to alter them in 2 days.
to adapt
When we move to a new country or change jobs we have to adjust how we work or how we communicate. We adapt to our new surroundings. We get used to a new way of life.
I moved to Germany and it took me a while to adapt to the new lifestyle.
to convert
Also means to change.
Often if someone changes their religion they are said to convert to another religion. Protestant to Catholic or Catholic to Buddhism.
We can convert currency.
He converted his euros to dollars in time for his holiday or exchanged euros for dollars.
to shift
Also means to change. We can change or shift our position. Sitting in one position for a long time you become stiff or tired so you shift your position to become more comfortable.
You will normally shift your position on the chair from time to time.
to vary
Another verb for to change. To vary is to change something you do.
For example,
- to vary (change) your diet to introduce more fibre, less fat or sugar
- to vary the journey to go to work if there is more than one way to go
I varied my journey to work so as to avoid boredom.
to transform
to change something or somebody into something else and usually make it better
They transformed the old school building into a four-bedroom, modern home.
to modify
to partially change the form or qualities of, to alter something
The data was modified by another user while I was working on this file.
Other Expressions and Phrases Related to Change
We also have some English expressions that include the word change.
Have you any loose change? I need some money for bus fare.
Loose change is usually small coins 10c, 20c,50c etc
They can be a nuisance when you have too many but are always useful for the parking meter or a tram or bus fare.
Can you change this, please?
Usually, an expression you use when you need some notes smaller than say a €50 or €100 note.
John went into the shop to buy a coffee. The coffee cost €3.50 All he had in his pocket was a €50 note. He asked the waiter if he could change a fifty euro note. The waiter was not very pleased.
And not to forget to mention Winds of Change – forces (forces of nature, or other forces) that have the power to change things or events — used generally to mean change is going to happen. Have you heard the famous song by the German rock band Scorpions Wind of Change?
Your Homework for now is to practise talking about changes in English and use some of the phrases related to change. And, of course, you can write some of your sentences in the comments below. Have fun!