Picture this, you’re having a conversation about how things have evolved over time, or perhaps you’re discussing the transformation in someone’s lifestyle. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have the right words at your fingertips to describe these changes? Knowing the right English collocations related to changes can be your secret weapon. It not only makes your language sound more natural but also elevates your communication skills. Don’t you think mastering these phrases can add more depth to your conversations? So, are you ready to embrace this change in your English language journey?
Let’s dive right into these 37 commonly used English collocations related to changes:
1. Dramatic change: A large, noticeable change.
Example: There’s been a dramatic change in his behavior.
2. Radical transformation: A complete or major change.
Example: The city has undergone a radical transformation over the past decade.
3. Shift focus: To change what one is giving attention to.
Example: The company decided to shift focus to more sustainable practices.
4. Swift transition: A quick change from one state or condition to another.
Example: The swift transition from winter to spring surprised us all.
5. Subtle differences: Small, not obvious changes or distinctions.
Example: There are subtle differences between the two paintings.
6. Undergo a change: To experience a change.
Example: The website has undergone a change and now has a more user-friendly design.
7. Major overhaul: Significant changes or improvements to something.
Example: The education system needs a major overhaul.
8. Sea change: A profound or notable transformation.
Example: There’s been a sea change in attitudes towards remote working.
9. Turn the tide: To cause a complete reversal of the situation.
Example: The new evidence in the case turned the tide in her favor.
10. Break with tradition: To do something in a new, different way.
Example: They decided to break with tradition and have a destination wedding.
11. Sudden shift: An abrupt change.
Example: There was a sudden shift in the weather.
12. Sweeping changes: Large changes that have an influence on many things.
Example: The company is making sweeping changes to its policies.
13. Marked improvement: A clear, noticeable improvement.
Example: There’s been a marked improvement in her health.
14. Quantum leap: A sudden large increase or advance.
Example: Technology has taken a quantum leap in the past decade.
15. Veer off course: To change direction suddenly.
Example: The car veered off course to avoid hitting the dog.
16. Game changer: Something that dramatically changes the current situation.
Example: The new software was a game changer for the design industry.
17. Switch gears: To change what you are doing.
Example: After a decade in marketing, he switched gears and started his own café.
18. Drastic measures: Severe actions taken to solve a problem.
Example: Due to the economic crisis, the government had to take drastic measures.
19. Move the needle: To cause a noticeable improvement.
Example: His hard work really moved the needle on the project.
20. Shift the balance: To change the situation so that one person or group now has an advantage.
Example: The new player shifted the balance in favor of their team.
21. Change of heart: A change in one’s opinion or feelings.
Example: He had a change of heart and decided not to sell his old house.
22. Turn of events: An unexpected change in a situation.
Example: The sudden turn of events left everyone surprised.
23. Alter course: To change the direction in which you are going.
Example: The ship had to alter course to avoid the iceberg.
24. Break new ground: To do something that is different from anything that has been done before.
Example: The research team broke new ground in cancer treatment.
25. Change your tune: To change your opinion completely, especially because it is to your advantage to do so.
Example: He quickly changed his tune when he realized he was wrong.
26. Shake things up: To do things differently to bring about a change.
Example: The new manager is planning to shake things up in the department.
27. Change of pace: A change from what you are doing.
Example: A vacation would be a nice change of pace.
28. Flip the script: To do something unexpected or revolutionary in a situation that typically has set roles.
Example: In a surprising move, the underdogs flipped the script and won the match.
29. Change of scenery: A change from the place or environment that you are used to.
Example: After working for ten years in the city, he felt he needed a change of scenery.
30. Turn over a new leaf: To start behaving in a better way.
Example: He promised to turn over a new leaf and stop wasting time.
31. Change hands: To go from one owner to another.
Example: The property has changed hands several times in the past few years.
32. Move with the times: To change the way you think or do things to make them modern or suitable for the present time.
Example: Businesses need to move with the times and adopt new technologies.
33. Switch sides: To go from one side in an argument or contest to the other.
Example: He shocked everyone when he switched sides midway through the debate.
34. Break the mold: To do something in a completely new way.
Example: His innovative approach to the project broke the mold.
35. Make a difference: To have a positive effect on a situation.
Example: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
36. Ring the changes: To do something in a different way to make it more interesting.
Example: We rang the changes in the school syllabus to make it more engaging for students.
37. Change your stripes: To change your opinion, character, or behavior.
Example: He claims he’s changed his stripes and will not lie anymore.
These changes related collocations can transform your English from ordinary to extraordinary. They will help you convey your thoughts more naturally and vividly. So, embrace the change and use these phrases when you speak or write. Let your language be as dynamic as the world around you. Happy learning!