Using “Alternate” or “Alternative”
by Amy Hatmaker

Word choice is vital in any piece of writing. In order to make the writer’s intention known to the reader, it is important that the proper word be used in the correct context.  Correct choice of word is especially important with words such as “alternate” and “alternative” whose grammatical functions can be similar, but whose meanings are not the same.

When choosing between the two, it is important to consider their definitions.

Alternate – Occurring or succeeding by turns. (Merriam-Webster Online)

Ex.  I alternate working Saturdays with my co-worker.

Alternative – A choice between two or more than two possibilities. (The Concise American Heritage Dictionary)

Ex. After considering the alternatives, I chose to purchase a hybrid car.

In addition to our own website, this week we recommend English Works! which can be found at http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/grammar/main/index.htm. This site contains a variety of helpful grammar sections as well as links to other grammar sites.

Test your understanding by correcting the following sentences.

1.   Stephanie was chosen as an (alternate/alternative) for the speech tournament.
2.   Olive oil is a healthy (alternate/alternative) to other cooking oils.
3.   We drove on the back roads as an (alternate/alternative) route to our destination.

Answers
1.   Stephanie was chosen as an alternate for the speech tournament.
2.   Olive oil is a healthy alternative to other cooking oils.
3.   We drove the back roads as an alternative route to our destination.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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