The world is changing in many different ways, and you need to be able to talk about it confidently.

Here’s some advanced English vocabulary for change. Check out how you can use “change” with different verbs, adjectives and nouns; and get some alternative words to expand your English vocabulary.

Verbs With Change

to bring change = make change happen
“The new government has brought in changes to education.”

usher in change / a new era ( usher = the person who introduces you to your seat in a cinema / church for a wedding)
“Some people believe that the planets usher in change.”

resist change = not want change to happen
“She resisted all the changes in the company and eventually resigned.”

push for change = try to make change happen
“We’re pushing for change in the town.”

Adjectives With Change

sudden change = when change happens quickly

constant change = when changes keep happening

dramatic change = when there’s a big or important change

Expressions With Change

be ready for change / be ripe for change = when it’s a good time to change
“After the last few months, we’re all ready for change.”
“The company is ripe for change.”

Change is in the air = when you can feel that a change is going to happen
“It’s funny how everybody is talking about recycling now. Change is in the air!”

Alternatives To Change

Different verbs
to shift = to move
“Attitudes towards the environment have shifted recently.”

to alter = to make a small but important change
“They’ve altered the wording on the insurancy policy.”

to adjust = to make a small change (often to machines)
“I need to adjust the brakes on my bike.”

to stir up / shake up = create change
“She has really stirred up / shaken up the department.”

Different nouns
innovation (to innovate; innovative – adjective)
“He’s famous for his innovations in the mobile phone industry.”

movement = when people come together to change
“The new vegan movement is based on reducing animal cruelty.”

shift = change
“There’s been a dramatic / sudden shift in attitudes.”

People Who Change The World

revolutionary (revolution; to revolutionise)
“She’s a real revolutionary. She wants to overthrow the government.”

pioneer (to pioneer) = someone who is the first to do something
“He’s a pioneer in the medical world.”

visionary = someone who has a vision for the future
“Robert is a real visionary. He’s completely changed how we market our products.”