Common mistakes
Adapt or adopt: which verb do you need?
A team can adapt its schedule to a new deadline. The same team can adopt a new schedule. The verbs look similar, but they describe different actions.
Choose adapt when something changes to fit a situation, and adopt when a person or group chooses, accepts, or takes something as its own.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
adapt / adopt /əˈdæpt/ /əˈdɒpt/
The short answer
Adapt means change or become suitable for a situation. Adopt means choose, accept, or take something as your own.
The library adapted its opening hours during the exam period, then adopted the new timetable permanently.
Why it works: First, the library changed the hours to meet a temporary need. Later, it chose the timetable as an official arrangement.
3 more examples
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The designer adapted the form for smaller phone screens.
The form changed so that it would work in a different setting.
Not this:The designer
adopted the formfor smaller phone screens. What changes: Adopt suggests that the designer chose an existing form or method. It does not clearly say that the form was changed. -
After a few weeks, Mei adapted to the new work routine.
Mei became able to work comfortably with the new routine.
Not this:After a few weeks, Mei
adopted the new work routine. What changes: This means Mei chose to use the routine. It does not focus on the process of becoming used to it. -
The council adopted new safety rules in March.
The council formally accepted the rules and put them into effect.
Not this:The council
adapted new safety rulesin March. What changes: This needs more context. Adapt would mean the council changed existing rules to fit local needs.
Read the full guide
Ask one question before choosing the verb: is something changing to fit, or is someone choosing and accepting it? The first meaning points to adapt. The second points to adopt.
Start with the action
Choose adapt when the main idea is change. Choose adopt when the main idea is a decision to accept or use something.
We adapted the workshop for online learners.
We adopted an online workshop format.
Use adapt for a new situation or purpose
A person can adapt to an environment, schedule, or role. A thing can be adapted for a new use. The change may be small or large, but it is made to fit the circumstances.
The hikers adapted to the colder weather.
The publisher adapted the novel for young readers.
Use adopt for a choice or formal acceptance
Adopt usually has a direct object: adopt a habit, a policy, a name, or a method. An organization can adopt rules after a vote. A person can adopt a habit by choosing to begin it.
The company adopted a four-day trial schedule.
Ravi adopted the habit of writing a short plan each morning.
Keep the child and pet meaning separate
Only adopt has the usual meaning of legally taking a child as your own or taking an animal as a pet. Adapt never has this family or pet meaning.
They decided to adopt a child.
My neighbor adopted a dog from a local shelter.
Check the sentence with a contrast
Adapt a plan means change the plan. Adopt a plan means choose the plan and begin to use it.
When both verbs seem possible, name the action precisely. The same plan could be adapted first and adopted later.
Choose the verb in context
A museum changes its tour so visitors who use wheelchairs can take part. Should the museum adapt or adopt the tour?
Use adapt. The museum is changing the tour to fit visitors' needs. If it chooses a new tour policy, it may adopt that policy.
Before you go
Remember this
Use adapt for changing to fit. Use adopt for choosing, accepting, or taking something as your own. Look for to after adapt when the sentence names a new situation, and look for the chosen thing after adopt.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Adapt or adopt: which verb do you need?"
What is the difference between adapt and adopt?
Adapt means change or become suitable for a new situation. Adopt means choose, accept, or take something as your own.
The designer adapted the form for smaller phone screens.
Do I adapt to something or adopt to something?
Use adapt to something: adapt to a new city or adapt to a new schedule. Use adopt with the thing you choose, such as adopt a schedule or adopt a policy.
The designer adopted the form for smaller phone screens.
Can a company adopt a policy?
Yes. A company adopts a policy when it formally accepts the policy and begins to use it.
After a few weeks, Mei adapted to the new work routine.
Can I adapt a book?
Yes. You can adapt a book for a film, a play, a class, or a different group of readers when you change it for that purpose.
After a few weeks, Mei adopted the new work routine.
How do you pronounce adapt and adopt?
In British English, say adapt as uh-DAPT and adopt as uh-DOPT. The stress is on the second syllable in both words.
The council adopted new safety rules in March.