11 Most Common Collocations with Change

Change

Means that something is different, or to take or do something other than what one had originally planned.

1. Big change/ Enormous change/ Major change

Refers to a big difference that has happened or is about to happen. A big change is one that is large and will be easily noticed. It can be positive or negative.

• Moving is always a big change.
• I’m not ready for a big change, I was thinking about doing something small first.
• The new career path I’m embarking on is an enormous change.
• Tomorrow we are rolling out a major marketing change.

2. Considerable change

Refers to a change or difference that is made that is very big. It’s not just big in size, but it’s also an important change.

• Adding the new department will be a considerable change at work.
• This is a considerable change for me.

3. Dramatic change

Refers to a change or difference that is big, bold, and striking. A dramatic change does not go unnoticed. It can be a good thing, or a bad thing.

• Dying her hair dark was a dramatic change.
• Moving the company’s headquarters across the county was a dramatic change.

4. Drastic change

Also refers to a big change. However a drastic change is a  change that happens usually as a solution to a problem.  A drastic change is almost always in a response to something.

• If I’m going to lose this much weight, I know I’ll have to make some drastic changes in my life.
• I think eliminating the entire department may be too drastic of a change.

5. Extensive change/ Far reaching change

Refers to a change that covers a large area. If the change is happening in a  company it may cover several departments. If the change is happening in a country it could cover  large regions, or the entire country.

• After the hurricane there were extensive changes made to how the government approached natural disasters.
• With new management taking over there will be far reaching changes throughout the company.

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6. Fundamental Change

Refers to a difference that is made at the core of something. This is not a surface or general change. A fundamental change is a basic, core, central change. This could be a change that completely changes the direction of something.

• We’re making a fundamental change in the way that this company is run.
• Becoming a vegan was a fundamental change that I made in my life.

7. Radical change

Refers to a complete change. It’s very similar to a fundamental change. A radical change is a complete overhaul of the way things were. When a radical change is made, it’s a recognition that what was happening before was not working at all.

• The rise in protest signals that there may be a radical political change coming.
• It’s important for us to get constant feedback from our employees and customers, that way we can make little changes along the way, and won’t have to make a radical change in the future.

8. Irreversible change

Is a change that cannot be undone. Once this change happens, it’s done and it can’t be changed back.

• Getting plastic surgery isn’t like dying your hair, it’s an irreversible change.
• I just want to do something small, nothing crazy. No irreversible changes please.

9. Systematic change

Refers to a change that goes through every section of something. It may mean that each section is being changed one at a time, or it may mean that each section is affected by the change. When this happens the change is planned, deliberate, and organized.

• The school system is making a systematic change to the way science is taught.
• Do you really think we need to make a systematic change?

10. Abrupt change

Refers to  a change that happens quickly. It may or may not be planed. It may be positive or negative. Either way it happens suddenly and without warning.

• Mary was promoted a month ago, so getting laid off was confusing and felt like an abrupt change.
• No one expected Ryan to improve so much over the summer, it caused an abrupt change to who on the team started.

11. Pleasant change

Refers to a change that has a positive effect.  This is a change that makes someone happy.

• Moving to the beach was a really pleasant change.
• I was worried about our new boss, but it’s been a really pleasant change.

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