alternate
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To occur or do something by turns; to switch repeatedly between two states or actions.
To take the place of another; a substitute or deputy; something that happens or follows one after the other in a repeated pattern.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it emphasizes a regular, repeated switching. As an adjective, it describes things occurring or placed in turns. As a noun (chiefly US), it means a substitute or deputy. The stress shifts between verb (ALTERnate) and adjective/noun (alTERnate).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'alternate' as a noun meaning 'substitute' is less common and can be considered an Americanism; 'deputy' or 'substitute' is preferred. In American English, 'alternate' is standard for a substitute member (e.g., an alternate juror). The adjective 'alternate' (meaning 'every other') is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
In British English, using 'alternate' as a noun can sound overly American. In both, the verb carries a connotation of regularity and intentional switching.
Frequency
The noun usage is significantly more frequent in American English. The verb and adjective are high-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] alternate between [NP] and [NP][NP] alternate with [NP][NP] alternate [NP] (as in 'alternate colours')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “alternate current (AC)”
- “on alternate weeks”
- “alternate side parking”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in scheduling (e.g., 'The team leads will alternate chairing the meeting').
Academic
Used in scientific descriptions (e.g., 'The experiment used an alternate control group').
Everyday
Used for routines and choices (e.g., 'We alternate who does the school run').
Technical
Used in engineering and electricity (e.g., 'alternate current', 'alternate routing').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The weather will alternate between sunshine and showers.
- The two actors alternate in the lead role each night.
American English
- The coach has the players alternate between drills and scrimmages.
- We alternate our vacations between the mountains and the beach.
adverb
British English
- The panels were arranged alternately blue and white.
- The chapters are written alternately from two characters' perspectives.
American English
- The team members work from home alternately on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- The lights flashed alternately red and green.
adjective
British English
- The meeting is held on alternate Thursdays.
- Please write on alternate lines.
American English
- Take the alternate route to avoid the traffic jam.
- She served as an alternate delegate to the conference.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Day and night alternate.
- We visit our grandparents on alternate weekends.
- The two teams will alternate attacks.
- Please sit in alternate chairs to maintain distance.
- His mood seemed to alternate between joy and despair.
- The researcher presented an alternate hypothesis for the results.
- The treaty provisions allow member states to alternate their representatives on the committee annually.
- The novel's structure features alternate narratives that gradually converge.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALTERnate' – you ALTER your state or position repeatedly, back and forth.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PATTERN OF CYCLES (e.g., alternating between work and rest).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'alternative' (альтернативный), which implies a choice between options. 'Alternate' is about taking turns (чередующийся).
- The noun 'alternate' (заместитель) is a 'false friend' for Russian speakers, as it's primarily an American usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'alternate' when 'alternative' is meant (e.g., 'We need an alternate plan' vs. 'We need an alternative plan').
- Mispronouncing by not shifting stress between verb and adjective/noun forms.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'alternate' used as a noun (primarily US usage)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Alternate' refers to things occurring or following by turns (e.g., alternate days). 'Alternative' refers to a choice between two or more possibilities (e.g., an alternative route).
As a verb, stress the first syllable: AL-ter-nate. As an adjective or noun, stress shifts to the second syllable: al-TER-nate (UK) / al-TER-nət (US).
In strict usage, 'an alternative solution' is preferred. However, in American English, 'alternate' is increasingly used to mean 'alternative', though some consider it informal.
Yes, the adverb form is 'alternately', meaning 'in an alternating sequence' (e.g., The flags were arranged alternately).
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