Despite their similar appearances, these words are totally unrelated.
Altar is a noun, referring to the table-like piece of furniture at the front of most churches or temples, where one might place the holy books, sacraments, or other holy objects used in a religious service:
Before beginning the ritual, the priest said blessings over all of the objects on the altar.
You can use the word altar in reference to such tables for any religion, even in reference to sacrificial altars where animals or humans were once killed, although we have no such altars anymore (I hope).
To Alter is a verb meaning “to change.” You may recognize the noun alterations:
The tailor altered this suit for me, but the alterations don’t fit well.
However, alter can be used in almost any sense, meaning “to (cause) change”:
We must alter our ways of life if we want to alter the outcomes of climate change.
Remember that alter, unlike change, must be followed by an object (it is a transitive verb):
Incorrect: *She altered after she left home.
If you have trouble remembering altar versus alter, try thinking of the words altitude (for altar) and alternative (for alter). Or you may remember that the “ta” in table is in altar but not in alter.
How to Use "Altar" in a Sentence
- The house was always filled with the smell of incense and always had an altar in the corner.
- The altars are found in many churches and homes in order to provide a place for people to worship.
- The worshippers placed an offering of fruits and meat on the altar.
- A typical altar is made from stone or marble.
- This ancient sacrificial altar has a structure with a spike on top to hold a sacrificial animal.
- The altar was built from sandstone, with the symbol of a phoenix carved into it.
- The altar was a rectangular table with a cross on top.
- The villagers planned on destroying the altar when they found out it was built without permission.
- Our church has an altar in the center of the sanctuary.
- Some people liked to spend hours at the altar.
- The altar of the goddess was in a circle on a grassy field.
How to Use "Alter" in a Sentence
- Even though Judy had to swallow her pride, she altered her plans and asked her family for financial support.
- He altered his appearance when he heard that the police were coming.
- A new study suggests that we can alter our brains to improve memory.
- It is possible to alter the temperature of liquids by adding or removing substances.
- Alterations to the car cost thousands of dollars.
- It was a very hot day so they decided to alter their plans.
- The recent changes in the law have altered the safety of people on the streets.
- I will alter my schedule to accommodate for your appointment.
- Alter your mind, alter your body, and you will alter your life.
- I need to alter the papers for tomorrow's presentation.
- Superman's alter ego is Clark Kent.
- Alter egos are often representations of our insecurities.