Quirks of English

--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing

(Text-only version of Quirks of English)

Alternate(ly) or Alternative(ly)

Although these nouns, adjectives, and adverbs are often confused, their meanings are quite different. The adverb "alternately" means "by turns, first one and then the other":

• Particulates and oils were added alternately to ensure adequate mixing.

The use of the noun is similar:

• Two wind tunnel technicians shared one job, working alternate days of the week.

On the other hand, to use something "alternatively" is to use it instead of something else (not to use first one thing and then the other):

• Alternatively, we could use the composite for the entire structure.

An "alternative" is "another choice or option":

• We will have to close down that facility or lay off 25 middle managers. We have no other alternatives.

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Last updated: 1/20/2009