Change vs. Amend — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Change" refers to making something different, often broadly, while "amend" implies making minor modifications, typically to improve or correct.
Difference Between Change and Amend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Change" encompasses any act of making something different, which can range from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. In contrast, "amend" is more specific, often used in the context of documents or statements, signifying minor modifications intended to correct errors or enhance the text.
The term "change" implies a transformation that might affect the essence or foundational aspects of an object or concept. On the other hand, "amend" usually suggests refinements without altering the fundamental nature, often applied in legal, legislative, or formal written contexts.
When someone opts to "change" a rule, it could mean replacing, removing, or adding elements to the original rule. Whereas, to "amend" a rule typically means making precise adjustments to improve clarity, efficiency, or fairness without a wholesale transformation.
In everyday usage, "change" is versatile, applicable to a wide range of scenarios from personal life changes to modifications in policy. In contrast, "amend" carries a formal tone and is predominantly used in contexts like amending laws or contractual documents.
"Change" can occur abruptly and noticeably, affecting the status quo significantly. Conversely, "amend" is often a deliberate, calculated process intended to bring about improvement through careful adjustments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To make something different.
To make minor modifications to improve.
Usage Context
Broad and versatile, any field.
Typically formal, legal or written texts.
Scope of Modification
Can be minor or major, transformative.
Generally minor, corrective.
Implication on Originality
Can alter the fundamental nature.
Tends to preserve the fundamental nature.
Typical Examples
Changing a job, changing a policy.
Amending a law, amending a contract.
Compare with Definitions
Change
To exchange one thing for another.
I need to change this shirt for a larger size.
Amend
To make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, or more accurate.
She amended her statement to clarify her point.
Change
To undergo a transformation or transition.
The caterpillar will change into a butterfly.
Amend
To alter formally by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.
The constitution was amended to include new rights.
Change
To make or become different.
He decided to change the layout of his office to increase productivity.
Amend
To improve through changes.
He amended his essay by correcting grammatical errors.
Change
To alter physically or in abstract terms.
The renovation will change the face of the old building.
Amend
To revise something previously written or said.
The policy was amended to be more inclusive.
Change
To replace something with something else.
She changed her meal plan to incorporate more vegetables.
Amend
To modify formally, especially a document or law.
The committee amended the legislation before passing it.
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Amend
Make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to reflect changing circumstances
The rule was amended to apply only to non-members
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Amend
Improve the texture or fertility of (soil)
Amend your soil with peat moss or compost
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Amend
To change for the better; improve
"The confinement appeared to have had very little effect in amending his conduct" (Horatio Alger).
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Amend
To alter the wording of (a legal document, for example) so as to make more suitable or acceptable.
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Amend
To enrich (soil), especially by mixing in organic matter or sand.
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Amend
To better one's conduct; reform.
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Amend
(transitive) To make better; improve.
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Amend
(intransitive) To become better.
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Amend
To heal (someone sick); to cure (a disease etc.).
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Amend
To be healed, to be cured, to recover (from an illness).
Change
To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons.
Amend
(transitive) To make a formal alteration (in legislation, a report, etc.) by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Amend
An act of righting a wrong; compensation.
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Amend
Clip of amendment
I've sent over a new version of the doc with some amends.
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Amend
To change or modify in any way for the better
Mar not the thing that can not be amended.
An instant emergency, granting no possibility for revision, or opening for amended thought.
We shall cheer her sorrows, and amend her blood, by wedding her to a Norman.
Change
To become deeper in tone
His voice began to change at age 13.
Amend
To grow better by rectifying something wrong in manners or morals; to improve.
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Amend
Make amendments to;
Amend the document
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Amend
To make better;
The editor improved the manuscript with his changes
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Amend
Set straight or right;
Remedy these deficiencies
Rectify the inequities in salaries
Repair an oversight
Change
Something different; variety
Ate early for a change.
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Change
Coins
Loose change was jingling in my pocket.
Change
A pattern or order in which bells are rung.
Change
In jazz, a change of harmony; a modulation.
Change
A market or exchange where business is transacted.
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Change
To make something into something else.
The fairy changed the frog into a prince.
I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Change
(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.
You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.
The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Change
(intransitive) To transfer to another vehicle (train, bus, etc.)
Change
(archaic) To exchange.
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Change
(countable) A replacement.
A change of clothes
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Change
(baseball) A change-up pitch.
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Change
A passing from one phase to another; as, a change of the moon.
Change
Alteration in the order of a series; permutation.
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Change
A public house; an alehouse.
They call an alehouse a change.
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Change
The balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;
I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Change
Money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;
He got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Change
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Common Curiosities
Can "change" imply improvement?
Yes, "change" can imply improvement, but it also can simply mean making something different without any evaluative connotation.
Is "amend" always formal?
While commonly formal, especially in legal contexts, "amend" can be used informally to suggest improvements or corrections.
How do "change" and "amend" differ in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, "change" could mean a complete overhaul of a law, whereas "amend" refers to making specific, usually minor, corrections or additions.
Can "change" be unintentional?
Yes, changes can be either intentional or unintentional, depending on the circumstances.
What is a synonym for "change"?
A synonym for "change" is "alter," which implies making something different without specifying the scale of modification.
What types of changes does "change" cover?
"Change" covers all types of modifications, from superficial alterations to deep structural transformations.
Is "amend" only used for documents?
"Amend" is commonly used for documents, especially legal texts, but it can also apply to any small modifications made for improvement purposes in other contexts.
What is a synonym for "amend"?
A synonym for "amend" is "modify," implying small and usually improving alterations.
What is the past tense of "change"?
The past tense of "change" is "changed."
What is the past tense of "amend"?
The past tense of "amend" is "amended."
What is the usual intention behind using "change"?
The intention behind using "change" can vary widely from seeking improvement to adapting to new circumstances or overhauling existing systems.
What verb form is commonly associated with "amend"?
The verb form "to amend" is used, and it often appears in contexts involving improving or correcting.
Can you "amend" a situation?
Typically, you would not use "amend" for situations. It is more appropriate for modifying documents or specific statements.
Can "amend" imply making something worse?
Typically, "amend" is used to imply making something better or more accurate, not worse.
How do "change" and "amend" appear in everyday speech versus professional writing?
In everyday speech, "change" is more common and broadly used, while "amend" tends to appear more in professional or formal writing, especially pertaining to documents or policies.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
