Word
alternately
Phoneticsal·ter·nate·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɔɫtɝnətɫi/
UK/ɔːltˈɜːnətlˌi/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening one after the other in a repeating pattern. You use this when two things take turns.
adv. in a manner that involves two things succeeding each other in a regular, repeating sequence. Often describes a pattern where two distinct states or objects take turns.
Examples
“The lights flash red and green alternately.”
“During the experiment, the subjects were exposed to heat and cold alternately to measure their skin's reaction time.”
“The novel is structured so that the chapters are narrated alternately by the two main protagonists, providing contrasting perspectives on the same series of events.”
Examples
simple
“The lights flash red and green alternately.”
contextual
“During the experiment, the subjects were exposed to heat and cold alternately to measure their skin's reaction time.”
complex
“The novel is structured so that the chapters are narrated alternately by the two main protagonists, providing contrasting perspectives on the same series of events.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb or the object it modifies to describe the sequence of action.
Pitfall
He worked alternatively on the two projects.
He worked alternately on the two projects.
Learners confuse 'alternately' (taking turns) with 'alternatively' (offering a choice between two things).
Real-World Examples
“A depiction of Albarn’s relationship with Justine Frischmann collapsing, it’s alternately shaky, despondent and powerfully robust.” “Under that name, it has been immortalized in countless books and movies, alternately burnishing and tarnishing the Custer legend.” Etymology
From alternate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/alternately