CHANGE OR EXCHANGE? EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B2)
Change and exchange are both related to the idea of something being replaced or altered, but they are used in very different contexts and are not interchangeable. This grammar-style vocabulary exercise covers the key distinction and the fixed expressions you need to know.
Need a refresher? Jump to the grammar review ↓
Need a refresher? Jump to the grammar review ↓
Choose the correct answer for each sentence, then click Check answers to see how you did.
1. We have to __________________ some money.
Correct answer: exchange
2. I had to __________________ my clothes because I got wet.
Correct answer: change
3. Amelia went to the store to __________________ her red dress for a blue one.
Correct answer: exchange
4. She __________________ cars every year.
Correct answer: changes
5. He will never __________________.
Correct answer: change
6. I'd like to __________________ this lamp. It's broken.
Correct answer: exchange
7. I'm not happy with the way this room looks. I have to __________________ something.
Correct answer: change
8. I __________________ my mind.
Correct answer: changed
9. After we __________________ opinions, I realized that we had a lot in common.
Correct answer: exchanged
10. We __________________ text messages for about two hours.
Correct answer: exchanged
Grammar review
Change vs exchange — what’s the difference?
These two words are often confused because they can both involve something becoming or being replaced. The key is understanding what each one focuses on.
CHANGE
Use change when something becomes different, is replaced by something else, or when someone alters their behavior, opinion, or appearance. There is no necessary idea of a mutual or reciprocal swap.
“He changed jobs last year.” (took a different one)
“The weather changes quickly here.” (becomes different)
“She changed the channel.” (fixed expression, always change, never exchange)
“We need to change the batteries.” (replace them)
EXCHANGE
Use exchange when two people or parties give something to each other, or when you return an item and receive something in its place. The idea of a reciprocal swap is key.
“They exchanged addresses before saying goodbye.” (I gave mine, you gave yours)
“He returned to the shop to exchange the shoes.” (return them for a different size)
“I need to exchange my dollars for euros.” (swap one currency for another)
“They exchanged a knowing look across the room.”
Quick test: Is there a reciprocal swap between two parties? → exchange. Is something simply becoming different or being replaced? → change.
Watch out for fixed expressions:
• change your mind / change your clothes / change the subject / change channels → always change
• exchange greetings / exchange glances / exchange gifts / foreign exchange → always exchange
These two words are often confused because they can both involve something becoming or being replaced. The key is understanding what each one focuses on.
CHANGE
Use change when something becomes different, is replaced by something else, or when someone alters their behavior, opinion, or appearance. There is no necessary idea of a mutual or reciprocal swap.
“He changed jobs last year.” (took a different one)
“The weather changes quickly here.” (becomes different)
“She changed the channel.” (fixed expression, always change, never exchange)
“We need to change the batteries.” (replace them)
EXCHANGE
Use exchange when two people or parties give something to each other, or when you return an item and receive something in its place. The idea of a reciprocal swap is key.
“They exchanged addresses before saying goodbye.” (I gave mine, you gave yours)
“He returned to the shop to exchange the shoes.” (return them for a different size)
“I need to exchange my dollars for euros.” (swap one currency for another)
“They exchanged a knowing look across the room.”
Quick test: Is there a reciprocal swap between two parties? → exchange. Is something simply becoming different or being replaced? → change.
Watch out for fixed expressions:
• change your mind / change your clothes / change the subject / change channels → always change
• exchange greetings / exchange glances / exchange gifts / foreign exchange → always exchange
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
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Browse all grammar exercises →
Easily confused words trip up even advanced learners — these exercises cover the most common problem pairs.
More confused words exercises:
Do or make? 1 (B1/B2)
Do or make? 2 (B1/B2)
Other, another, or different? 1 (B1/B2)
Commonly confused words 1 (B1/B2)
Too, either, or neither? 1 (B1/B2)
Who or whom? 1 (B2)
Who, which, or whose? 1 (B1/B2)
There, they're, or their? 1 (B1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
