'to alter' versus 'to change'

[Taisia]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", question 2

You can't wear this dress, it's too big and the tailor has to ......... it a bit.

(a) change
(b) shift
(c) alter
(d) transform

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", answer 2

You can't wear this dress, it's too big and the tailor has to alter it a bit.

Correct answer: (c) alter

Your answer was: incorrect
You can't wear this dress, it's too big and the tailor has to change it a bit.
_________________________

why not change?
'to alter' versus 'to change'

Taisia

[Mister Micawber]

.
Alter is the normal collocation with articles of clothing.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber