ESEN
Which one to use?Intermediatenounverb
AltarvsAlter
'Altar' is the sacred table in a church or temple; 'alter' means to change or modify something.
Side-by-side comparison
Altar
noun"Altar" is the noun: the sacred table or structure in a church or religious ceremony. Where rituals are performed.
The couple stood before the altar to exchange their vows.
Candles were lit on the altar before the ceremony.
The altar was decorated with white lilies for the baptism.
Alter
verb"Alter" is the verb: to change or modify something. You alter a plan, a garment, or a decision. It has nothing to do with religion.
The deadline cannot be altered without the client's approval.
She altered the dress to make it shorter for the event.
The new data altered our understanding of the market significantly.
Common mistake
- •Common mistake in wedding and contract contexts: "They stood before the alter" (correct: altar).
- •Or "We cannot altar the contract" (correct: alter the contract).
Trick to remember it
- •"Altar" ends in AR like a prominent destination.
- •"Alter" ends in ER like other process verbs: filter, render, alter.
Quick rule
- •"Altar" = the sacred table in a place of worship (noun).
- •"Alter" = to change or modify (verb).
Did you know?
The phrase "alter ego" (another self) uses Latin "alter" (other, different). Cicero coined it to describe his closest friend as a second self. Today it refers to a secret identity, a character an author uses to express personal views, or the stage persona an artist adopts. David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust being a famous example.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
They stood together at the _____ and exchanged their vows.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Can the tailor _____ the jacket so it fits better?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
AcceptvsExcept
One means to receive or agree to something, the other means to exclude or not include.
AdvicevsAdvise
'Advice' is the guidance you receive (noun); 'advise' is the act of giving that guidance (verb).
AffectvsEffect
'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence something; 'effect' is the noun meaning result or consequence.
AislevsIsle
'Aisle' is the walkway between rows of seats or shelves; 'isle' is a small island.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy