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Alternate(ly), alternative(ly)

Alternate(ly)​

The adjective alternate and the adverb alternately mean ‘first one thing, then another thing and then the first thing again’. When we refer to time, we can also use the phrase every other day, every other week, etc.

  • The trouble is you can only park in the hospital on alternate days. (or … in the hospital every other day.)
  • Not: on alternative days
  • She was alternately pleased and angry.
See also
  • Every

Alternative(ly)​

Alternative(ly) means ‘something that is different and unusual and offers a possible choice’:

  • We can’t use that room for meetings. They’ll have to find us an alternative room.

  • Not: …an alternate room …

  • Alternatively*, we could just stay in.*

  • Not: Alternately, we could …

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Pronunciation:

alternate (v) /ˈɒl.tə.neɪt/

alternate (adj) /ɒlˈtɜː.nət/

alternate (C) /ˈɒl.tə.nət/ (AmE)

alternately (adv) /ɒlˈtɜː.nət.li/

alternative (adj) /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/

alternative (C) /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/

alternatively (adv) /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv.li/