TO ALTER/TO CHANGE

I would not use "alter" as a formal version of "change". It would sound like that's what I did.

"Alter" is more limited than "change". "Alter" means something more like "modify", but when you change something, you could even discard it and start over. "Change" can, however, be as limited as "alter".

Yes, "to alter" is more formal.

To alter one's appearance.
To alter one's identity.
To alter one's mind.

I obviously watch too many movies! (Bourne series, MIB, etc.)

ChloeeWhat could be a difference between verbs to alter and to change?

My opinions are these:
The word change is more common than alter.

Also the word change is one of the 1000 most common words in English with a variety of uses:

= alteration, innovation, transformation, modification, mutation, metamorphosis, p

Thanks a lot.

Here is one question that is not related to the thread. Whenever I read something I try to think of the way how would I form the same sentence so in this case I would have said :

Shawn79I made him have different thoughts or way of thinking (cognition), maybe without his awareness.

I made him to have different thoughts...

ChloeeI made him to have different thoughts...

No, it's not correct with "to". Certain verbs take the infinitive without "to". My English grammar book says this applies to verbs such as: let, make, see, hear, feel, watch and notice.

I made him have different thoughts.

In the passive though some of these verbs do take the infinitive wit

Chloeea difference between verbs to alter and to change?

Consider:

You need to alter your clothes. You've put on too much weight!
You need to change your clothes. Those shorts are not appropriate for attending the memorial service.

CJ

Thank you!

In science the word 'Change' is used when we deals with Law or Equations i.e( F=ma )

And the word 'Alter' is used when we deals with quantity or expression i.e( Force, mass, time )