Master confusing words with ease
Alternate vs. Alternative
Alternate
/ɔːlˈtɜːnət/Examples:
The traffic lights alternate between red and green.He decided to alternate jogging with cycling for variety.In the dance routine, they alternate leading each set.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Alternative
/ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/Examples:
You have several alternatives.I'm not saying it didn't hurt, but there was no alternative.So I had no alternative.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsWays to tell them apart:
- Alternate often implies a sequence or pattern, like every other step or choice.
- Alternative suggests a different option or substitute to consider from a set of possibilities.
- If youre deciding between two things, you might use alternative.'
- When describing something done in turns or by rotation, alternate is the better fit.
- Think of alternate more as a verb or action, while alternative leans toward an adjective or option.
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