# alternatively

/ɔɫˈtɝnətɪvɫi/ (US) · /ɔːltˈɜːnətˌɪvli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alternatively
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. introducing another option

adverb · CEFR B2

used to suggest another possibility or a different choice.

For teachers: used to introduce a second or subsequent possibility, often as a mutually exclusive choice.

- We could take the train to the city; alternatively, we could drive and park at the station.
- The company could invest in new hardware immediately; alternatively, it could wait for the next generation of processors to be released in the spring.

Usage: typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to link two ideas.

Teaching tip: this is a useful transition word for academic writing and formal emails when presenting multiple solutions to a problem.

## Examples

- We could go to the cinema; alternatively, we could stay home.
- You can submit your application online; alternatively, you may post a physical copy to our head office.
- The board may choose to reinvest the surplus into research and development; alternatively, they could distribute it as a dividend to shareholders at the end of the fiscal year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.