The difference between altar and alter (grammar lesson)


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Altar - area of religious worship Alter - to change something

Occasionally, there is confusion over the words 'altar' and 'alter'.

Altar

The word 'altar' is a noun. It denotes an area (usually a table) where religious worship or sacrifice occurs.

Examples:

The ancient Britons used to sacrifice animals on elaborate stone altars.

We were married at the altar in St Paul's Cathedral.

Have you seen the water damage to the alter in St. John's Church?

(should be altar)

Alter

'To alter' is a verb meaning to change something.

Examples:

Will you alter this dress for Saturday's play?

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.

(Oscar Wilde)

Please altar your claim in Section 9.

(should be alter; i.e., to amend or change)

altar in church

eerie sacrificial altar

ladies alter clothes

Select the correct version:

ALTAR IS THE ONE TO WATCH

People rarely use 'altar' when they mean 'alter', but many use 'alter' when they mean 'altar'.

In its catalogue, one reputable website calls this piece "Alter of the Hand".

"Alter of the Hand"