Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
ADAPT / ADOPT
These two verbs look extremely similar, but that little vowel in the middle makes a big difference.
The word adapt can be either transitive or intransitive, meaning it can either take an object (take action directly on something) or not (only act on itself). You can adapt, or modify, a machine to work differently. You can also adapt to a new situation yourself by modifying your own behavior or schedule or by learning new skills, etc.
The word adopt means taking a policy, opinion, or practice and making or using it as your own; it implies taking up something different from what you are used to, something created by someone else or that is foreign to your nature. Adopt usually takes an object. You can voluntarily form a relationship by which you take responsibility for an animal or a child (adopt a pet or a boy or girl); take up and use (adopt a forceful way of speaking); formally approve and put into effect (adopt an antismoking law); select for required course study (adopt a specific curriculum for a high school biology course); or take responsibility for the care and maintenance of (adopt a section of public highway). However, it does have one intransitive meaning as in we choose to adopt. But even in that case, a direct object (e.g., a child, a dog, a cat) is implied.
INCORRECT: I’ll need to adopt my housecleaning schedule to accommodate my new work hours at the office.
CORRECT: I’ll need to adapt my housecleaning schedule to accommodate my new work hours at the office.
INCORRECT: If you’re going to adapt that attitude, then we may as well end this discussion now.
CORRECT: If you’re going to adopt that attitude, then we may as well end this discussion now.
ALSO CORRECT: In order to adapt to the change in our situation, we need to adopt a new plan of action.
© 2020 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.