Talking about Change in English

Talking About Change in English (Collocations, Idioms & Useful Expressions)

Talking about Change in English

Hello, dear English learners! Today we are exploring one of the most powerful ideas in life — change. Whether we talk about personal growth, social transformation, or simply adjusting our daily routines, English is full of wonderful expressions that help us describe it naturally. Talking about Change in English

Here are some of the most useful collocations and idioms for B2–C1 learners.

Everyday Collocations About Change

Make an adjustment

A small change that improves how something works.

• After I complained to the boss, they made an adjustment to my salary structure.
• When my phone stopped working, the technician made a few adjustments and restored it.
• The writer made several adjustments to his novel before finally calling it a night.

Break a habit

To stop doing something you regularly do, especially something unhealthy.

• Denis is trying to break the habit of using his phone in bed because of his eyesight.
• It’s about time you broke the habit of eating lunch at your desk.
• Scientists have now developed treatments that can help people break the habit of smoking.

Change your mind / opinion

To rethink or reconsider a decision.

• Martin always thought Travis was lazy, but after seeing him work, he completely changed his opinion.
• I’ve changed my mind about Greece — we’re going to Turkey instead!
• If you change your mind, just give me a call.

Change the subject

To avoid an awkward or uncomfortable topic.

• When I asked him about his ex-wife, he changed the subject instantly.
• Seeing that his guests were uncomfortable, Mark quickly changed the subject.
• Let’s change the subject before this turns into an argument.

Talking about Change in English

Idioms for Personal Growth & Transformation

Out with the old, in with the new

A fresh start; replacing old ideas or things with new ones.

• With a new year coming, it’s time to declutter — out with the old, in with the new!
• The company updated its branding: out with the old, in with the new.
• Technology moves fast — out with the old gadgets, in with the new ones.

A change of heart

A shift in feelings or decisions.

• Jill had a change of heart and decided not to move abroad.
• After hearing the full story, Peter had a change of heart and apologised.
• The company had a change of heart and kept the original design.

Turn over a new leaf

To start behaving in a better, more responsible way.

• After years of unhealthy habits, Sean decided to turn over a new leaf.
• Gemma turned over a new leaf when she changed careers and moved cities.
• Darren promised to turn over a new leaf with his finances.

Idioms for Innovation, Creativity & New Approaches

Break the mould

To do something in a completely new, original way.

• The artist broke the mould with her unusual painting techniques.
• The director’s new film breaks the mould of typical Hollywood storytelling.
• She broke the mould in the fashion world with her bold designs.

Ring the changes

To make improvements by introducing new variations.

• The company decided to ring the changes and refresh its product line.
• Jane likes to ring the changes in her wardrobe by mixing new outfits.
• To keep the menu interesting, the chef rings the changes every season.

A breath of fresh air

Something or someone refreshing and new.

• Sara’s creative ideas were a breath of fresh air for the team.
• The new teacher’s approach was a breath of fresh air for the students.
• The lively debate was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise dull meeting.

Talking about Change in English

Expressions for Wider Social or Organisational Change

Bring about change

To cause something to change.

• The new manager aims to bring about change in the company culture.
• Tom hoped his campaign would bring about change in the village.
• What could possibly bring about change in Rosie’s thinking?

Change for the better

An improvement in a situation.

• You can’t change for the better if you cling to old habits.
• The doctor said Mira’s condition is changing for the better.
• The weather is finally showing a change for the better this week.

The winds of change

Forces that signal a shift in the situation.

• The winds of change are blowing through the company as new policies appear.
• With new technologies, the winds of change are reshaping industries.
• The recent election shows the winds of change in the political landscape.

Practice:

Try using these expressions in sentences:

1. Write a sentence with turn over a new leaf.
2. Describe a situation where the winds of change are noticeable.
3. Rewrite this sentence with an idiom: The new manager is making many improvements.

Change is one of the few constants in life, and English gives us countless ways to talk about it — from small daily adjustments to major life-changing decisions. Use these expressions often, and you’ll find your speaking and writing naturally becoming richer, clearer, and more expressive.

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