Alternately vs. Alternatively — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
"Alternately" means to do things in turns, one after another, while "Alternatively" suggests a choice between options.
Difference Between Alternately and Alternatively
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Alternately" refers to a back-and-forth action or sequence. When using "alternately," you describe things that occur in turns or by alternation. For example, in a pattern, you might say, "The colors appear alternately," meaning they show up one after the other repeatedly.
"Alternatively" is used when suggesting an option or choice distinct from what has been previously mentioned. It is typically used to introduce a new, substitute option or idea. For instance, "You can take the bus to work; alternatively, you can drive," introduces driving as another option.
"Alternately" can signify a regular or rhythmic alternation and is often associated with a pattern or sequence. When "alternately" is used, it implies a consistent and direct switch between states or positions, akin to the switching of lights or the steps of a dance.
"Alternatively" does not suggest a sequence but rather a choice. It is not concerned with order or turns but with presenting an alternative scenario or method. The term is less about sequence and more about options, often used to suggest a second choice if the first isn't suitable or available.
While "alternately" can be linked with physical actions or sequences, "alternatively" is more abstract, dealing with concepts, choices, or proposals. Both words play different roles in a sentence; "alternately" often relates to what is tangible and observable, while "alternatively" introduces hypotheticals or other possibilities.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
In turn, one after another
Offering a second option or choice
Usage Context
Describes a sequence or pattern
Presents an alternative proposition or idea
Part of Speech
Adverb of manner
Adverb of manner
Examples
The lights flashed alternately red and blue.
If you don't like this, alternatively, we could try that.
Frequency
Common in descriptions of sequence
Common in discussions of options or choices
Compare with Definitions
Alternately
Alternating regularly.
The dancers moved alternately in and out of the circle.
Alternatively
Offering another possibility.
Alternatively, we could postpone the meeting to next week.
Alternately
First one and then the other.
He walked alternately with a limp, favoring first one leg, then the other.
Alternatively
In place of another option.
If the hotel is full, alternatively, we could stay at a B&B.
Alternately
Swapping between states.
The signal flashed alterately green and red.
Alternatively
Introducing a different idea.
You can bake the cake at 350°F, or alternatively, try 325°F for a moister result.
Alternately
In a back-and-forth manner.
They argued alternately for hours.
Alternatively
Suggesting a substitute.
You can take the highway, or alternatively, take the scenic route.
Alternately
With two things continually following and succeeded by each other; one after the other
She sounds alternately confused and confident
Alternatively
As another option or possibility
Alternatively, you may telephone us direct if you wish
Alternately
As another option or possibility; alternatively
Alternately, slice the cake in two when completely cooled and spread raspberry jam between the two halves
Alternatively
One of a number of possible choices or courses of action
There are plenty of alternatives to conventional advertising.
Alternately
To occur in a successive manner
Day alternating with night.
Alternatively
A choice or course of action that is mutually exclusive with another
The alternative to staying in that dead-end job is to quit.
Alternately
To act or proceed by turns
The students alternated at the computer.
Alternatively
A situation presenting a choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities
People facing the alternative of selling their homes or going bankrupt.
Alternately
To pass back and forth from one state, action, or place to another
Alternated between happiness and depression.
Alternatively
Being one of a number of possible choices or courses of action
The highway is closed. Seek alternative routes.
Alternately
(Electricity) To reverse direction at regular intervals in a circuit.
Alternatively
Being one of two mutually exclusive choices or courses of action
How effective is the alternative treatment?.
Alternately
To do or execute by turns.
Alternatively
Substitute or other
Several members of the audience provided alternative views on the topic.
Alternately
To cause to alternate
Alternated light and dark squares to form a pattern.
Alternatively
Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems
An alternative lifestyle.
Alternative energy.
Alternately
Happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously
Alternate seasons of the year.
Alternatively
Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream
An alternative newspaper.
Alternately
Designating or relating to every other one of a series
Alternate lines.
Alternatively
In an alternative way
Alternately
Serving or used in place of another; substitute
An alternate plan. See Usage Note at alternative.
Alternatively
(conjunctive) Used to link a pair of possibilities
Alternately
Arranged singly at each node, as leaves or buds on different sides of a stem.
Alternatively
In the manner of alternatives, or that admits the choice of one out of two things.
Alternately
Arranged regularly between other parts, as stamens between petals.
Alternatively
In place of, or as an alternative to;
Felix became a herpetologist instead
Alternatively we could buy a used car
Alternately
A person acting in the place of another; a substitute.
Alternatively
As another option.
We can go hiking, or alternatively, we can go fishing.
Alternately
An alternative.
Alternately
In reciprocal succession; succeeding by turns; in alternate order.
Alternately
(mathematics) By alternation; when, in a proportion, the antecedent term is compared with antecedent, and consequent.
Alternately
Alternatively.
Alternately
In reciprocal succession; succeeding by turns; in alternate order.
Alternately
By alternation; when, in a proportion, the antecedent term is compared with antecedent, and consequent.
Alternately
In an alternating sequence or position;
They were deglycerolized by alternately centrifuging and mixing
He planted fir and pine trees alternately
Alternately
By turns or in succession.
The children played games alternately to share toys.
Common Curiosities
Is "alternatively" ever used to describe sequences?
No, "alternatively" is used for suggesting choices, not sequences.
Can "alternately" be used to suggest options?
No, "alternately" refers to taking turns, not presenting choices.
Is "alternately" used for patterns?
Yes, "alternately" is often used to describe alternating patterns.
Do "alternately" and "alternatively" share any common uses?
They do not share common uses; their meanings are distinct.
Is "alternatively" common in argumentative writing?
Yes, it's often used to present alternative arguments or solutions.
Does "alternatively" indicate a preference for one option?
No, it simply introduces another option without expressing a preference.
Can "alternately" and "alternatively" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes in a sentence.
Can "alternately" describe non-physical sequences?
Yes, it can describe any back-and-forth sequence, physical or conceptual.
Is "alternatively" a way to present an ultimatum?
Not an ultimatum, but it presents an alternative option.
Can "alternately" apply to more than two items?
Yes, "alternately" can describe a sequence involving multiple items.
Is "alternatively" formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can "alternately" be used mathematically?
Yes, in mathematics, "alternately" can describe alternating series or patterns.
Does "alternatively" require more than one option to be valid?
Yes, it inherently compares or offers at least one other option.
Are there any situations where "alternately" and "alternatively" overlap in meaning?
No, they are used in different contexts and do not overlap in meaning.
Is "alternately" often used in everyday conversation?
It's less common than "alternatively" and more specific to describing sequences.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
