altar and alter - the difference

Free grammar tips, lessons and tests			Recommended purchases
This site: Grammar Monster on line	Daily tips with Grammar Monster's gadget	Daily tips with Grammar Monster on Twitter	The best grammar reference books	Grammar Monster off line	The only grammar checker we'll endorse
Common grammar errors Easily confused words Grammar terms & definitions Grammar tests Grammar lessons Search this site

ALTAR / ALTER

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?

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"

Associated lessons:

Glossary of easily confused words
Glossary of common errors
Glossary of grammatical terms
What are nouns?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words