WordGarden.ioalternately
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɔːltˈɜːnətlˌi/
US
- /ˈɔltərnətli/
Meanings
Adverb
in alternating turns or succession
as another possible choice; alternatively
Beyond the definition
Imagine two friends taking turns reading aloud from a book – first one reads a paragraph, then the other. That's what "alternately" means! It describes doing things in an alternating pattern, switching between options or actions. You might work alternately at your desk and at a standing station to stay comfortable. Or perhaps you alternate between walking and running during your workout. It implies a regular back-and-forth movement or sequence. Think of a blinking light – on, off, on, off… alternately!
"Alternately" describes doing two or more things in turn, switching back and forth between them. It's not random, but rather follows a pattern. Unlike "sometimes," which implies occasional choice, "alternately" suggests a deliberate and regular sequence.
You might say, "The train runs alternately on diesel and electricity," meaning it switches power sources during its journey. Or, "They traveled alternately by bus and by hitchhiking," indicating they took turns using each method of transportation. It's also frequently used to describe shifting states or emotions – "Alternately cheerful and despondent, she struggled to maintain her composure."
The key is that there's an expectation of switching between options. If you offer someone coffee or tea, they choose one (this is distinct from "alternatively"). But if they drink coffee and tea alternately, it implies they are enjoying both, taking turns with each beverage.
In writing, "alternately" can add rhythm and emphasis to descriptions. It's a useful word when you want to show a repeating pattern or a back-and-forth movement in actions, feelings, or events. So, if things are happening one after the other in a regular sequence, "alternately" is likely the perfect word to describe it!
Examples
- 1
Driving shifts
The two drivers took turns at the wheel and rested alternately during the night.
- 2
Tile pattern
Black and white tiles were laid alternately across the kitchen floor.
- 3
Changing feelings
He looked alternately hopeful and worried while he waited for the results.
- Patternalternately + adjective and adjective
changing between two feelings or states
- 4
Shared narration
The story is told alternately by a mother and her son.
- Patterntold alternately by + people
one person tells part, then the other
See also
Similar
- by turns
- in turn
- in rotation
Shades of meaning
- successively
- back and forth
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- alternately hot and cold
- alternately laughing and crying
- press the buttons alternately
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- alternatelyadverb