Objective Proficiency p 8. Changes. Vocabulary 1

Changes. Vocabulary

Ring the changes (with something): (British English) to make changes to something in order to have greater variety. E.g. Ring the changes with a new colour.

A change for the better/worse: a person, thing, situation, etc. that is better/worse than the previous or present one. E.g. Voters see the new leader as a change for the better.

Change your tune: (informal) to express a different opinion or behave in a different way when your situation changes. E.g. Wait until it happens to him—he'll soon change his tune.



change sides: to stop supporting one person or group in an argument and start supporting the other. E.g.  My aunt is determined to bring me over to her political party, ignoring the fact that I am not remotely interested in changing sides! You can't get me to change sides! I'm a fan of the Yankees through and through!

A change of heart: if you have a change of heart, your attitude towards something changes, usually making you feel more friendly, helpful, etc. E.g. Dan did not want to get married but recently he's had a change of heart.

A change in government could of course mean economic and social changes.

One of the most significant changes in the last 50 years or so has been globalization. It is transforming our world.

New technologies brought about a sweeping change in the second half of the twentieth century. 

It was a time of radical change caused by the many changes happening in technology with new advancements, discoveries, and inventions.

People’s attitudes towards global warming have changed substantially

I would like to vary my daily routine in order to have a less boring life. 

I wish I had put a bit more effort into adapting to that significant change

It was such a drastic and far-reaching change, that it altered radically my lifestyle.

To bring about a successful life change you need to take action. To quit smoking, lose weight, or make other important lifestyle changes, you'll need to stop bad habits by finding good alternatives. 

New parents can suddenly feel overwhelmed by how their life has changed.

I find it difficult to adjust to clock change in the winter. I would prefer to do sports and other outdoor leisure activities during daylight hours.

The situation calls for a change; a change where people have more opportunities to decide their future and realize their potentials. Call for something to need something.

Various skills will help you deal with changing situations but embracing the change will ensure you stay motivated.

Thinking of your job as a temporary assignment is a better mindset to help you cope with change.

The original Walkman introduced a change in music listening habits by allowing people to carry music with them.

Social contact leads to a change in social attitudes.

 The majority of people resist change because it is stressful. Even positive change (new job, marriage, birth of a child, etc) is stressful.

Although most people would welcome a change in their lives regarding the things they are less than content with, most people are not actually interested in the hard work that it may sometimes take to make such changes a permanent reality.

During the last decades we have witnessed a change in educational practice, from studying a fixed syllabus to letting students define their own goals and decide how to reach them.

Suddenly he changed the subject.  

Food prices changed drastically/ significantly/ overnight in May.

We need a dramatic social, political and economic change.

After another wet week it was a pleasant change to have a dry day.

Working on the new project was a refreshing change.

There was a sudden change of plan.

It was a sweeping change that affected many workers.

This was an unexpected change, but I'm looking forward to the move.

Some parents need a change in attitude.

A change in policy may help workers. 

We need a change in the law to fight against corrupt bankers.

 The nurse will contact her if there is a change in the patient's condition.

They experienced a change in their fortune.

The documentary was about the changing fortunes of the film industry.

A change in the weather is expected by the middle of next week. 

You need to communicate your change of address. 

Protesters are demanding a change of government. 

We hope for a change of luck. 

I had a change of mind in the end. 

They had a change of mood. They joked around all night. 

This weekend I had a change of pace.

We just had a change of plan.

You look like you need a change of scene.

Change horses in midstream (the middle part of a river): to change to a different or new activity while you are in the middle of something else; to change from supporting one person or thing to another. E.g. You shouldn't change horses in midstream.

Change your/somebody's mind: to change a decision or an opinion. E.g. Nothing will make me change my mind.

A wind/the winds of change: (used especially by journalists) an event or a series of events that has started to happen and will cause important changes or results. E.g. A wind of change was blowing through the banking world.

Change your ways: to start to live or behave in a different way from before. E.g. He was in trouble with the police as a teenager but now he's completely changed his ways.

Change hands: to pass to a different owner. E.g. The house has changed hands several times.

Chop and change: (British English, informal) to keep changing your mind or what you are doing. E.g. After six months of chopping and changing, we've decided to go back to our old system. 

A leopard /ˈlepəd/ cannot change its spots: (saying) people cannot change their character, especially if they have a bad character. E.g. You didn't really expect her to be on time, did you? A leopard can't change its spots.

Change/swap places (with somebody): (usually used in negative sentences) to be in somebody else's situation. E.g. I'm perfectly happy—I wouldn't change places with anyone.

Change something around/round: to move things or people into different positions. E.g. You've changed all the furniture around. 

Change back (into somebody/something): to return to a previous situation, form, etc. E.g. Only time will tell whether things can ever change back to the way they were. The music changed back to a funky disco beat.

Change back (into something): to take off your clothes and put on what you were wearing earlier. E.g. She changed back into her work clothes.

Change down: (British English) to start using a lower gear when you are driving a car, etc. E.g. Change down into second. To change down from fourth (gear) into third.

Change up: (British English) to start using a higher gear when driving a car, etc. E.g. Change up into fifth.

Change over (from something) (to something): to change from one system or position to another. E.g. The farm has changed over to organic methods.