Sunday, September 15, 2013

alternate/alternative: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Sunday, September 15, 2013

alternate/alternative
Although UK authorities disapprove, in US usage, “alternate” is frequently an adjective, substituted for the older “alternative”: “an alternate route.” “Alternate” can also be a noun; a substitute delegate is, for instance, called an “alternate.” But when you’re speaking of “every other” as in “our club meets on alternate Tuesdays,” you can’t substitute “alternative.”

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