Alternate vs Alternative: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Alternate" means changing in sequence or the other, while "alternative" is used to mean another option.
Memory Tip: alternate = take turns, alternative = other choice
alternate stress on first syllable, alternative stress on second syllable
alternate /ˈɔːltəneɪt/
verbTo repeatedly change between two things or states.
Example:
Although the committee usually meets on Mondays, they have decided to alternate the schedule by meeting every other week on Wednesdays instead.
Common patterns:
alternate shifts
alternate routes
alternate days
alternative
adjectiveAn alternative option is a different choice that you can use instead of the usual one.
Example:
Although the committee has been considering multiple plans for months, they have finally decided that solar energy is the best alternative to fossil fuels.
Common patterns:
alternative energy
alternative medicine
alternative solution
alternative /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
nounAn alternative is another choice or option.
Example:
Although the committee has been considering multiple plans for months, they have finally decided that solar energy is the best alternative to fossil fuels.
Common patterns:
alternative solution
alternative method
Common Mistakes
We need to find an alternate solution to this problem.
We need to find an alternative solution to this problem.
The word 'alternative' is used here because it refers to another option or choice.
The meeting will be held on alternate Fridays.
The meeting will be held on alternative Fridays.
'Alternate' is correct for describing something occurring in turns or sequence, but 'alternative' would imply a different option or choice, which is incorrect here.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. Although the committee usually meets on Mondays, they have decided to ____ the schedule by meeting every other week on Wednesdays instead.
2. Although the committee has been considering multiple plans for months, they have finally decided that solar energy is the best ____ to fossil fuels.
3. Although the committee has been considering multiple plans for months, they have finally decided that solar energy is the best ____ to fossil fuels.
Other Confusing Words
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