Vary vs. change

[Jojo]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", question 3

I don't really like this dress, let's ......... it for another one.

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

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", answer 3

I don't really like this dress, let's change it for another one.

Correct answer: (b) change
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vary vs. change

Jojo

[Alan]

Hi,

Change in the sentence means replace one dress with another. Vary has the sense of alternate. If you work one week every Monday and Tuesday and then you vary that pattern the following week, you vary that by working on Wednesday and Thursday.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Aiken]

Why not 'alter'? Isn't 'alter' used for clothing?

THX
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[Beeesneees]

Hello, Aiken,

To 'alter' clothes means to make adjustments to them (make the sleeves shorter, make the hemline longer, etc.)
To 'change' clothes means to swop them for a different garment.
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