advocate for change
/ˈædvəkeɪt fɔːr tʃeɪndʒ/
Meaning
This expression means to publicly support, recommend, or argue for social, political, or organizational progress and reform. It is an active, positive, and formal phrase used when discussing activism, leadership, or community improvement.
Examples
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The local student union continues to advocate for change in the university's tuition structure.
The local student union continues to advocate for change in the university's tuition structure.
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Many young activists use social media platforms to advocate for change in environmental policies.
Many young activists use social media platforms to advocate for change in environmental policies.
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To improve working conditions, employees must unite and advocate for change together.
To improve working conditions, employees must unite and advocate for change together.
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The non-profit organization was founded specifically to advocate for change in civil rights laws.
The non-profit organization was founded specifically to advocate for change in civil rights laws.
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She has spent her entire career trying to advocate for change within the healthcare system.
She has spent her entire career trying to advocate for change within the healthcare system.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The group advocates for changing the law.
✓ The group advocates changing the law.
When 'advocate' is used as a transitive verb with a direct action or noun phrase, it does not need 'for' (e.g., 'advocate a new policy'). However, the set phrase 'advocate for [a cause/change]' is correct when supporting a general movement.
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✗ He is an advocate for change the system.
✓ He is an advocate for changing the system.
After the preposition 'for', you must use a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a base verb.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Community leaders met yesterday to ___ in public transportation funding.
💡 Use the phrase that means to publicly support progress or reform.
Show answer
advocate for change
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If you are unhappy with the current corporate culture, you should ___ through the proper channels.
💡 Fill in the blank with the target expression in its base form.
Show answer
advocate for change