alternatively
gb/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/ us/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
B2
Anglais
~ 9600
Sens
0 sens
unknown
B2
relation
1
as another option or way
Used to show another possible choice or way, different from the first one.
Schéma d’usage :
[Clause]. Alternatively, [clause].
Erreur fréquente :
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."
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
only (Suggests there is no other choice or way, the opposite of offering an alternative.)
Collocations
or alternatively
|alternatively, you can
|alternatively, we could
|can alternatively be
|may alternatively be
|alternatively, consider
Thèmes
communication
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- You can apply online; alternatively, you can submit a paper form.
- We could drive to the conference, or alternatively take the train if the weather is bad.
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- You can call me, or alternatively you can send an email.
- We can cook at home; alternatively, we can eat at a restaurant.
- 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.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
alternatively
API
GB/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
US/ɔltˈɚnɪtɪvli/
Syllabes et accentuation
al - tern - at - ively (4 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tern)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: alternatively
- Plural: alternativelies
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.