Alternate vs Alternative | Difference & Meaning

Alternate and alternative are interchangeable when used as adjectives to describe something as a “different option or choice” (e.g., “an alternate/alternative plan”).

  • Use the adjective “alternative” to mean the opposite of mainstream (e.g., “alternative music,” “alternative medicine”).
  • Use the adjective “alternate” to mean changing between two things (e.g., “alternate red and blue stripes”) or one out of every two (e.g., “alternate weeks”).
  • You can use “alternate” (but not “alternative”) as a verb (e.g., “We alternate between the two locations”).
  • Use the noun “alternative” to mean “a different option” (e.g., “That is a good alternative”). If “alternate” is used as a noun, it means a person fulfilling a substitute function (e.g., “An alternate on the gymnastics team”).
Alternate vs alternative examples
Alternate in a sentence Alternative in a sentence
We need to schedule an alternate date for the picnic in case it rains. [Adjective] We need to schedule an alternative date for the picnic in case it rains. [Adjective]
Initially held annually, the film festival now takes place in alternate years. [Adjective] The film festival focuses on independent, alternative cinema. [Adjective]
He planted alternate rows of petunias and hydrangeas. [Adjective] Petunias are a good alternative. [Noun]
I like to alternate between petunias and hydrangeas along this path. [Verb] Alternatives to cow’s milk include plant-based beverages such as oat milk. [Noun]
Note
Some usage guides recommend using the adjective “alternative” (not “alternate”) to describe something as a different option or to mean “another,” but “alternate” is frequently used with these meanings. For instance the word combinations “alternate route,” “alternate universe,” “alternate reality,” “alternate explanation,” and “alternate version” are very common, even in formal writing such as essays.

Alternate meaning

You can use the word alternate as a verb, adjective, or noun.

Alternate as a verb

The verb alternate means to “repeatedly change between one thing and another thing” and is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable ( ).

Alternate (verb) in a sentence examples
We alternate; I drive the van in the mornings and she drives in the afternoons.

She alternates between directing commercial and independent films.

Today we’re going to alternate two-minute runs with one-minute jogs.

The gerund form and adjective present participle form of the verb “alternate” is alternating.

Alternating in a sentence examples
Interval training involves alternating between high- and low-intensity exercise. [Gerund]

Apply the paint by brushing in alternating directions. [Adjective present participle]

Alternate as an adjective

The adjective “alternate” can mean “replacement,” “substitute,” or “different.” It is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable in American English ( ) but typically with the stress on the second syllable in British English ( ).

Alternate (adjective meaning different) examples
The road was flooded, so we had to take an alternate route.

What if it rains? We need an alternate plan just in case.

They filmed two alternate endings to the movie.

When used as an adjective like this, “alternate” and “alternative” are synonyms. However, we typically use “alternative” when it means the opposite of “mainstream” (e.g., “alternative music” and “alternative medicine”).

The adjective “alternate” can also mean “repeating” when describing a pattern where two things occur one after another. Here, “alternate” is synonymous with “alternating.”

Alternate/alternating (repeating) examples
The cake is decorated with alternate/alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla frosting.

The book has alternate/alternating pages of text and images.

Another meaning of the adjective “alternate” is “one out of every two.”

Alternate (every other) examples
The club meets on alternate Wednesdays. [i.e., every 14 days]

Alternate seats were left unoccupied to maintain social distancing. [i.e., every person had an empty seat next to them]

In British English, the adjective “alternative” is sometimes used instead of “alternate” for this meaning (e.g., “The club meets on alternative Wednesdays), but some usage guides consider this to be incorrect.

Alternate as a noun

In American English, an “alternate” (noun) is someone who acts as a “substitute” or “replacement” for someone else. It is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable ( ).

Alternate (person noun) examples
I made the volleyball team but only as an alternate.

One of the jurors was ill, so they were replaced by an alternate.

Alternative definition

You can use the word alternative as a noun or an adjective.

Alternative as a noun

As a noun, “alternative” means “other choice or option.”

Alternative (noun) in a sentence examples
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use a suitable alternative such as canola oil.

We had no alternative but to cancel the trip, I’m afraid.

Alternative as an adjective

As an adjective, “alternative” describes something that is “a different choice or option” or to mean “another.”

Alternative (adjective) in a sentence examples
The company is now using an alternative method of production that uses less water.

It was booked so we had to find an alternative location.

Here, the adjectives “alternative” and “alternate” are synonyms. However, we tend to use one or the other in some specific contexts. For instance, “alternative” is typically used when it means the opposite of “mainstream.”

Nouns that typically combine with alternative examples
Alternative medicine/music/media etc. [as opposed to “mainstream”]

Alternative energy/fuel

Alternative facts [in the context of post-truth politics]

Alternative method/approach

Alternately vs alternatively

In formal writing, use alternately to mean “one after the other repeatedly” or “in turns,” but alternatively to mean “(or) as another option” or “otherwise.”

Alternately vs alternatively examples
Alternately in a sentence Alternatively in a sentence
Now, gradually add the contents of the package alternately with water. Alternatively, you can use milk instead of water.
The annual event is held alternately in the US and Europe. The painting is alternatively known as The Sun Garden.

In American English, “alternatively” is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable ( ), while “alternately” is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable ( ).

However, in British English, while “alternatively” is also pronounced with the stress on the second syllable ( ), “alternately” ( ) is typically pronounced with the stress on the second syllable too.

Note
“Alternately” is also used as a synonym for “alternatively” to mean “(or) as another option” (e.g., “Alternately, we could go to the movies”) but it is best to avoid using it with this meaning in your formal writing as many people classify it as a mistake.

Frequently asked questions about alternate vs alternative

What is a synonym for alternate?

Synonyms for the adjective alternate include:

  • Every other
  • Alternating
  • Staggered
  • Substitute
  • Alternative

Synonyms for the verb alternate include:

  • Change
  • Switch
  • Take turns
  • Rotate
  • Oscillate

On a related note, if you’re not sure whether the word you need is alternate or alternative, we normally use “alternative” when the meaning is the opposite of “mainstream” (e.g., “alternative music”).

Why not use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “alternate” in your specific context?

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Tom Challenger, BA

Tom holds a teaching diploma and is an experienced English language teacher, teacher trainer, and translator. He has taught university courses and worked as a teacher trainer on Cambridge CELTA courses.