VERBS OF CHANGE
ADJUST - 1 to change sth slightly, esp. to make it more correct, effective, or suitable:
If the chair is too high you can adjust it to suit you.
2 to arrange your clothing to make yourself look tidy:
She adjusted her skirt, took a deep breath and walked into the room.
CONVERT - to (cause sth or sb to) change in form, character or opinion:
Could we convert the small bedroom into a second bathroom?
He converted to (= starting believing in) Catholicism when he got married.
I used not to like exercise, but my sister has converted me (to it).
VARY - change or cause sth to change in amount or level, esp. from one occasion to another:
Some people give a regular monthly donation while others vary the amount they give.
MODIFY - to change something such as a plan, opinion, law or way of behaviour slightly, usually to improve it or make it more acceptable: The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.
Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their behaviour.
SWITCH - to change suddenly or completely, especially from one thing to another, or to exchange by replacing one person or thing with another:
She started studying English at college, but switched to Business Studies in her second year.
In 1971, Britain switched over (= changed completely) to a decimal currency.
ALTER - 1 to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change: We've had to alter some of our plans.
Although long-distance phone calls are going up, the charge for local calls will not alter.
2 to change the size of clothes so that they fit better: I took the coat back to the shop to have it altered.
TRANSFORM - to change completely the appearance or character of sth or sb, especially so that they are improved: The reorganization will transform the British entertainment industry.
Whenever a camera was pointed at her, Marilyn would instantly transform herself into a radiant star.
TRANSFER 1 [T] to move sb or sth from one place, vehicle, person or group to another:
He has been transferred to a psychiatric hospital.
We were transferred from one bus into another.
Police are investigating how Ł20 million was illegally transferred from/out of the Trust's bank account.
The aim is to transfer power/control/responsibility to self-governing regional councils.
2 change to a different job, team, place of work, etc., or to make someone do this:
After a year he transferred to University College, Dublin.
Some very high-profile British players have transferred to clubs abroad.
He threatened to give up football if his club didn't transfer him.
3 to make something the legal property of another person:
She transferred the house to her daughter before she died.
ADAPT - to change sth to suit different conditions or uses: We had to adapt our plans to fit Jack's timetable.
The play had been adapted for children.
SHIFT - to (cause sth or sb to) move or change from one position or direction to another, especially slightly:
She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.
The wind is expected to shift (to the east) tomorrow.
Media attention has shifted recently onto environmental issues.
AMEND - to change the words of a text, typically a law or a legal document:
MPs were urged to amend the law to prevent another oil tanker disaster.
Until the constitution is amended, the power to appoint ministers will remain with the president.