alternatively
gb/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/ us/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
B2
English
~ 9600
vagy, alternatívaként
B2
1
vagy
A1
Usage pattern:
[Clause]. Alternatively, [clause].
You can apply online; alternatively, you can submit a paper form.
Jelentkezhetsz online, vagy papíralapú űrlapot is benyújthatsz.
We could drive to the conference, or alternatively take the train if the weather is bad.
Elmehetnénk autóval a konferenciára, vagy ha rossz az idő, vonattal is mehetünk.
The course is taught in person and can alternatively be completed entirely online.
Guests may pay in advance or alternatively settle the bill on departure.
Alternatively, we could wait until next month when the prices are lower.
Learner examples
You can call me, or alternatively you can send an email.
Felhívhatsz, vagy küldhetsz egy e-mailt is.
We can cook at home; alternatively, we can eat at a restaurant.
Főzhetünk otthon, vagy ehetünk egy étteremben.
The meeting can be in the office, or alternatively online.
You may take the bus, or alternatively you may walk.
Alternatively, we can watch a movie at home.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "alternatively" with "otherwise". "Alternatively" introduces another possible choice or way (You can take the bus; alternatively, you can walk.), while "otherwise" often describes what happens if the first thing does not happen (You must take the bus; otherwise, you will be late.). Learners also sometimes place it incorrectly inside the sentence; it is most natural at the beginning of a clause, often followed by a comma: "Alternatively, we could leave early."
Meaning
as another option or way
Collocations
or alternatively
|alternatively, you can
|alternatively, we could
|can alternatively be
|may alternatively be
|alternatively, consider
Synonyms
instead (Often sounds more direct and simple; does not always carry the idea of politely offering another option.)
|
or else (More informal and sometimes suggests a warning or consequence; less neutral and polite than "alternatively".)
|
as an alternative (Very close in meaning but slightly more formal and longer; often used after the option, not before a whole sentence.)
Antonyms
only (Suggests there is no other choice or way, the opposite of offering an alternative.)
Themes
communication
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to show another possible choice or way, different from the first one.
Used to introduce or describe another possible choice, action, or way of doing something that is different from one already mentioned.
Grammar
Dictionary form
alternatively
IPA
GB/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
US/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
al - tern - at - ively (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tern)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: alternatively
- Plural: alternativelies
Word family
Forms
alternativelies
noun
Core family
alternative
adjective B1
alternate
verb B2
Related words
alternately
adverb
alternation
noun
Expressions
or alternatively
1/ˈɔɹ ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
adding another possible option
Used to add another possible choice after one or more choices have already been given.
Examples
- You can travel by plane, train, or alternatively by bus if you want to save money.
- The report can be sent by email, or alternatively by regular mail if you prefer.
- Students may take an exam, or alternatively complete a project to pass the course.