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"Modify" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "modificar", and "alter" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "alterar". Learn more about the difference between "modify" and "alter" below.
modify(
ma
-
dih
-
fay
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to alter)
a. modificar
They modified the kitchen design, but it's much worse than the original.Modificaron el diseño de la cocina, pero es mucho peor que el original.
a. moderar
The bankers refused to modify their demands and ended up foreclosing on the mortgage.Los banqueros se negaron a moderar sus exigencias y terminaron por ejecutar la hipoteca.
alter(
al
-
tuhr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to change)
a. alterar
I can't alter my whole schedule to accommodate you today.No puedo alterar toda mi agenda para verte hoy.
b. cambiar
You should alter a couple of paragraphs before sending the e-mail.Deberías cambiar un par de párrafos antes de enviar el email.
c. modificar
The kids became ill and we had to alter our holiday plans.Los niños enfermaron y tuvimos que modificar los planes de vacaciones.
2. (to restore)
a. reformar
I want to alter this room to be my personal studio.Quiero reformar esta habitación para que sea mi taller personal.
3. (to adjust)
a. arreglar
I need this dress to be altered before Friday.Necesito arreglar este vestido antes del viernes.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. cambiar
Long time no see! I'm not sure I would have recognized you; you look so altered!¡Cuánto tiempo! No sé si te hubiera reconocido, ¡te ves muy cambiado!
