Adapting and adopting: change or take up

The idea

Adapt means change something to suit a situation; adopt means take up an idea, policy or practice.

Examples

• The cook adapted the recipe for a smaller oven.
• The school adopted a new recycling policy.
• We adapted our route to avoid the flooded bridge.
• The village adopted the plan after a public meeting.
• The team adapted its schedule to the weather.
• Our neighbours adopted a habit of sharing tools.

Watch out

Do not use adopt merely because a plan has changed: use adapt when you adjust it.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. The designer will ___ the poster for a smaller screen. (adapt / adopt)

   Show answer or example answer

   adapt

   adapt: the poster must fit a different screen.

2. Choose the correct word. The council will ___ the proposed policy as its own. (adapt / adopt)

   Show answer or example answer

   adopt

   adopt: the council takes the policy as its own.

3. Choose the correct word. We must ___ the timetable to fit the new opening hours. (adapt / adopt)

   Show answer or example answer

   adapt

   adapt: the hours require a change to the timetable.

Use it today

Describe a plan you adjusted and a habit you took up.