Scientific American | March 3, 2011
"Deep sea creatures alternately flash and dim to communicate"
Alternately vs. Alternatively
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
Alternately means in turn or one after another in a back-and-forth pattern. Alternatively means instead or as another option.
The lights flashed alternately red and blue. Alternatively, we could use a steady white light.
A Deeper Look
Alternately is about things that happen in a pattern, taking turns or switching back and forth. Think of windscreen wipers, traffic lights, or any situation where things keep switching between two or more states.
The students sat alternately boy-girl-boy-girl around the table.
The tennis players alternately served the ball, switching every game.
Alternatively is simply about having another choice or option. When you use this word, you're suggesting a different way of doing something.
We could go to the cinema. Alternatively, we could stay home and watch Netflix.
You can pay by card. Alternatively, we accept cash or bank transfer.
Common Usage Patterns
Alternately
flash alternately, move alternately, rotate alternately, alternately hot and cold, alternately light and dark
Alternatively
alternatively you could, alternatively we might, alternatively consider, alternatively there's, alternatively if
Key Patterns
Alternately typically describes physical patterns or sequences. Alternatively often starts a new sentence or clause introducing a different option.
What Teachers Say
"In technical writing, 'alternately' is crucial for describing processes and patterns, while 'alternatively' is used when presenting different methods or solutions."
-- William, Vancouver
"Students writing academic papers often need 'alternatively' when discussing different approaches or interpretations. It's a key word for showing balanced analysis."
-- Helen, Manchester
"In science reports, we use 'alternately' to describe rhythmic or cyclic processes, but 'alternatively' when suggesting different experimental methods."
-- James, Sydney
From The Headlines
The Wall Street Journal | November 15, 2018
"Investors increasingly focus on alternative, emerging markets"
Technology Review | July 21, 2019
"New hybrid car alternately uses gas and electric power"
Test Yourself!
1. The temperature _______ rises and falls throughout the day.
2. _______, we could take the train instead of driving.
3. The dancers moved _______ left and right, while the lights _______ changed from blue to green.
