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:
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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".
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"Alter of the Hand"
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Easily Confused Words
