Change vs. exchange

Question

Dear Friends,I wonder if 'change' or 'exchange' is more commonly used in the following:I was furious because the shopkeeper refused to change/exchange my T-shirt.Thank you very much.Palinkasocsi

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi. Change and exchange are synonyms.

http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/change

AlpheccaStars · Answer

I was furious because the shopkeeper refused to change/exchange my T-shirt.
Exchange is correct.
Change is very funny in this sentence. The usual use is:
My T-shirt was so stinky, sweaty and dirty after my long run that I changed into a clean one.
Changing clothes means to take off the clothes you are wearing, and put on some other clothes.
For example: We changed for dinner. (It means that the daytime clothes were not formal enough for dinner.)

Rafaelinrio · Answer

Hey

In this case I'd say I was furious because the shopkeeper refused to EXCHANGE my T-shirt.

We use exchange when we're making reference to giving something and receiving something back reciprocally.

WE use change we make reference to altering or modifying something.

Take a look:

I exchanged my T-shirt.
I changed my T-shirt.

In the first case it's clear that you went to the store and had your T-shirt replaced with another one for whatever reason.
In the second case, it gives us the clear idea that you had a T-shirt on, took it off, and put on another one.

Palinkasocsi · Answer

Thanks to you all!

Palinkasocsi

Rafaelinrio · Answer

Anytime buddy.

Anonymous · Answer

Good explanation ! Thanks

Change vs. exchange

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