diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 4dc61476..40106e95 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -36,9 +36,9 @@ can be applied as quickly as possible:
    modify the `README.md` file to reflect that. Again, if you don't
    update the `README`, we have to, and this holds up acceptance.
 
-4. **Update the changelog (`CHANGES`):** The changelog helps give an
+4. **Update the change log (`CHANGES`):** The change log helps give an
    overview of the changes that go into each release, and gives credit
-   where credit is due. We make sure that the changelog is up to date
+   where credit is due. We make sure that the change log is up to date
    before each release, and we always appreciate it when people make
    it easier to get the release out the door.