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.
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 behaviour, opinion, or appearance. There is no necessary idea of a mutual or reciprocal swap.
“She changed her clothes before dinner.” (put on different ones)
“He never changes.” (his character stays the same)
“I changed my mind.” (fixed expression — always change, never exchange)
“We need to change the tyres.” (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.
“We exchanged phone numbers.” (I gave mine, you gave yours)
“She went to the store to exchange her dress.” (return it for a different one)
“We need to exchange some money.” (swap one currency for another)
“After we exchanged opinions, we understood each other better.”
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 behaviour, opinion, or appearance. There is no necessary idea of a mutual or reciprocal swap.
“She changed her clothes before dinner.” (put on different ones)
“He never changes.” (his character stays the same)
“I changed my mind.” (fixed expression — always change, never exchange)
“We need to change the tyres.” (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.
“We exchanged phone numbers.” (I gave mine, you gave yours)
“She went to the store to exchange her dress.” (return it for a different one)
“We need to exchange some money.” (swap one currency for another)
“After we exchanged opinions, we understood each other better.”
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
Complete each of the sentences with either change or exchange. Click on ANSWER to see the correct response.
1. We have to __________________ some money.
a. exchange
b. change
2. I had to __________________ my clothes because I got wet.
a. exchange
b. change
3. Amelia went to the store to __________________ her red dress for a blue one.
a. exchange
b. change
4. She __________________ cars every year.
a. exchanges
b. changes
5. He will never __________________.
a. change
b. exchange
6. I'd like to __________________ this lamp. It's broken.
a. change
b. exchange
7. I'm not happy with the way this room looks. I have to __________________ something.
a. change
b. exchange
8. I __________________ my mind.
a. exchanged
b. changed
9. After we __________________ opinions, I realized that we had a lot in common.
a. changed
b. exchanged
10. We __________________ text messages for about two hours.
a. changed
b. exchanged
CHECK OUT OTHER EXERCISES ON EASILY CONFUSED WORDS:
Change or exchange? 1 (I)
Do or make? 1 (B)
Do or make? 2 (B/I)
Other, another, different? 1 (I/A)
Loss, lost, lose, or loose? 1 (I)
Lay or lie? 1 (I)
Commonly confused words 1 (I)
More grammar exercises
Tired of ads? Sign up for our ad-free PREMIUM EDITION for lots of great content!
Change or exchange? 1 (I)
Do or make? 1 (B)
Do or make? 2 (B/I)
Other, another, different? 1 (I/A)
Loss, lost, lose, or loose? 1 (I)
Lay or lie? 1 (I)
Commonly confused words 1 (I)
More grammar exercises
Tired of ads? Sign up for our ad-free PREMIUM EDITION for lots of great content!
