Alter vs Altar: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you one of those people who often confuse between the words alter and altar? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Many people get confused between these two words, and it’s not surprising given that they sound almost the same. However, it’s essential to know the difference between them, especially if you want to use them correctly in your writing.

We should clear the confusion by stating that both words are proper words, but they have different meanings and uses. Alter is a verb that means to change or modify something, while altar is a noun that refers to a raised structure used for religious or spiritual purposes.

When you alter something, you make changes to it, either by adding or removing something. For instance, you can alter your dress by shortening its length or altering its design. On the other hand, an altar is a sacred place where religious rituals or ceremonies are performed. It’s usually a raised platform or table-like structure that holds religious symbols, objects, or books.

In this article, we will explore the differences between alter and altar in detail and provide examples of how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Alter

As a verb, alter refers to making a change or modification to something. It can also mean to adjust or adapt to a new situation or circumstance. In the context of fashion, it often refers to making changes to clothing to fit better or to update the style. Alter can also be used as a noun, referring to a garment that has been altered or a place where alterations are made.

Define Altar

An altar is a raised structure or platform used for religious or spiritual purposes. It is typically used as a focal point for worship or ritual, and may hold sacred objects or symbols. Altars can be found in many different religions and cultures, and can vary in size and design. In some traditions, altars are used for offerings or sacrifices, while in others they are used for meditation or prayer.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the correct words is crucial to convey the intended meaning. Two words that are commonly confused are alter and altar. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Alter” In A Sentence

The word “alter” is a verb that means to change or modify something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:

• She decided to alter her hairstyle for the new year.
• The tailor will alter the dress to fit her perfectly.
• He altered his plans after receiving new information.

As you can see, “alter” is used when referring to making changes or modifications to something. It can also be used in the context of emotions or behavior:

• The experience altered her perspective on life.
• He promised to alter his behavior to avoid future conflicts.

When using “alter” in a sentence, it is important to make sure that the context is clear and that the word is being used correctly.

How To Use “Altar” In A Sentence

The word “altar” is a noun that refers to a raised structure used for religious or spiritual purposes. It is often found in churches, temples, or other places of worship. Here are some examples of how to use “altar” in a sentence:

• The bride and groom stood at the altar during the wedding ceremony.
• The priest lit candles on the altar before beginning the service.
• She left flowers at the altar as a sign of respect.

As you can see, “altar” is used when referring to a specific structure or location. It is important to note that “altar” is not interchangeable with “alter” and should not be used in the same context.

By understanding the proper usage of “alter” and “altar,” you can ensure that your writing is clear and concise. Remember to use “alter” when referring to making changes or modifications, and “altar” when referring to a religious or spiritual structure.

More Examples Of Alter & Altar Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of how to use “alter” and “altar” in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Alter” In A Sentence

• The tailor will alter my suit to fit me better.
• She decided to alter her hairstyle for the new year.
• The company had to alter its plans due to budget cuts.
• He wanted to alter the recipe to make it healthier.
• The artist altered the painting to reflect his new style.
• They had to alter the schedule due to the weather conditions.
• The medication can alter your mood and behavior.
• She tried to alter her accent to fit in with the locals.
• The scientist altered the experiment to achieve more accurate results.
• He had to alter his travel plans due to a family emergency.

Examples Of Using “Altar” In A Sentence

• The couple exchanged vows at the altar.
• She placed a bouquet of flowers on the altar.
• The church has a beautiful altar made of marble.
• He lit a candle and placed it on the altar as a tribute.
• The priest stood at the altar and delivered his sermon.
• She knelt at the altar and prayed for guidance.
• The choir sang hymns from the altar.
• The altar was decorated with garlands for the holiday season.
• He donated a large sum of money to the church for a new altar.
• The wedding party walked down the aisle towards the altar.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the words “alter” and “altar,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Alter” Instead Of “Altar”

One common mistake is using “alter” instead of “altar” when referring to a religious or ceremonial table. An altar is a sacred table used in religious ceremonies, while alter means to change or modify something. For example, “I need to alter my dress for the wedding” is correct, but “I need to put the flowers on the alter” is incorrect.

2. Using “Altar” Instead Of “Alter”

Another mistake is using “altar” instead of “alter” when referring to making a change or modification. Alter is a verb that means to change or modify something, while altar is a noun that refers to a religious or ceremonial table. For example, “I need to alter my schedule to attend the meeting” is correct, but “I need to build an alter to my car” is incorrect.

3. Confusing “Alter” And “Altar”

Lastly, people often confuse the two words and use them interchangeably. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication. It is important to understand the difference between these two words to use them correctly in context.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Remember that “altar” refers to a religious or ceremonial table, while “alter” means to change or modify something.
• If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you have used the correct word.

Context Matters

Choosing between alter and altar can be tricky as they are homophones, meaning they sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings. The context in which they are used is crucial in determining which of the two words to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between alter and altar might change:

Religious Context

In a religious context, the word altar is commonly used to refer to a sacred table used for offerings or sacrifices. For example:

• The priest placed the offering on the altar.
• We knelt at the altar to pray.

On the other hand, the word alter in a religious context would be incorrect and would not make sense.

Change Context

In a change context, the word alter is commonly used to refer to making a change or modification to something. For example:

• I need to alter my dress for the party.
• Can we alter the meeting time to 2pm?

Using the word altar in a change context would be incorrect and would not make sense.

Spelling Context

In a spelling context, the word alter is commonly used to refer to correcting or changing a mistake in writing. For example:

• I need to alter the spelling of that word.
• Can you alter this sentence to make it clearer?

Using the word altar in a spelling context would be incorrect and would not make sense.

It is important to pay attention to the context in which alter and altar are used to avoid confusion and ensure that the correct word is used.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using alter and altar are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.

When Alter Can Be Used Instead Of Altar

There are a few instances where alter can be used instead of altar:

• As a verb meaning to change or modify something, such as “I need to alter my plans for the weekend.”
• As a noun referring to a platform used for religious purposes, such as “The priest stood on the alter during the ceremony.”

It’s important to note that in the second example, “alter” is being used as a specific type of platform used for religious purposes, and is not interchangeable with “altar.”

When Altar Can Be Used Instead Of Alter

While less common, there are also instances where altar can be used instead of alter:

• As a verb meaning to place something on an altar, such as “I will altar the flowers on the altar.”
• As a noun referring to a raised structure used for non-religious purposes, such as “The speaker stood on the altar during the presentation.”

Again, it’s important to note that in the second example, “altar” is being used as a specific type of raised structure, and is not interchangeable with “alter.”

By understanding these exceptions, you can confidently use alter and altar in the appropriate contexts.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of alter and altar can take time and practice. Here are some exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

In each sentence, choose whether to use alter or altar. Write your answer on the line provided.

1. The bride and groom stood at the __________.	__________
2. I need to __________ my shirt before the party.	__________
3. The tailor promised to __________ the dress to fit perfectly.	__________
4. The artist decided to __________ the painting by adding more color.	__________
5. The priest lit the candles on the __________.	__________

Answer key:

• 1. altar
• 2. alter
• 3. alter
• 4. alter
• 5. altar

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Fill in each blank with the correct form of alter or altar.

1. The tailor will __________ my pants to fit better.
2. The __________ was decorated with flowers for the wedding.
3. She decided to __________ her hairstyle for the party.
4. The priest lit the candles on the __________.
5. He promised not to __________ the document without permission.

Answer key:

• 1. alter
• 2. altar
• 3. alter
• 4. altar
• 5. alter

By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of alter and altar in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between alter and altar, it is clear that these two words are often confused due to their similar spellings and pronunciations. However, their meanings are vastly different and should be used appropriately in written and spoken language.

Key Takeaways

• Alter refers to a change or modification of something, while altar refers to a religious structure or table.
• Spelling and pronunciation are often the cause of confusion between these two words.
• It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid misunderstandings and errors.

As writers and speakers, it is our responsibility to use language correctly and effectively. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our communication skills and convey our messages with clarity and precision.