a reasonable alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or choices that are sensible and practical in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the options, we concluded that a reasonable alternative would be to implement a phased approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If employees are using a service that is deemed insecure for whatever reason, IT can offer a reasonable alternative.

TechCrunch

There is a reasonable alternative.

The New York Times

By then, working on his own seemed a reasonable alternative.

The New York Times

"That would be a reasonable alternative," Mr. Bishop said.

The New York Times

In this context, honer looks like a reasonable alternative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, there's a reasonable alternative to IV fluids: drinking fluids.

Harvard University

Subsidies make forestry a reasonable alternative to arable, these days.

The Economist

(For Android, PicFrame, $0.99, is a reasonable alternative).

The New York Times - Tech

A subdermal levonorgestrel (LNG) implant may be a reasonable alternative.

Contraception

We nominate Mayor Giuliani, who has criticized the system without proposing a reasonable alternative.

The New York Times

But there need to be enough airlines at Stewart to make it a reasonable alternative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a reasonable alternative", clearly articulate its benefits and drawbacks compared to the original option. This helps your audience understand why it's a viable substitute.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable alternative" as superior to the original unless you have strong evidence. Overstating its benefits can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable alternative" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It identifies a substitute or option that is both sensible and practical. Example: "Medical treatment of early pregnancy failure represents a reasonable alternative to immediate surgical therapy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable alternative" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that offers a sensible and practical option. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Ludwig AI validates its usage, suggesting it as a suitable way to present viable substitutes. When using this phrase, ensure you articulate the benefits of the alternative clearly and avoid overstating its equivalence to the original option. Related phrases include "a viable option" and "a sensible choice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a viable option

Focuses more on the practicality and feasibility of the alternative.

a sensible choice

Emphasizes the logical and judicious nature of the alternative.

a practical substitute

Highlights the usefulness and applicability of the replacement.

a sound option

Implies the alternative is well-founded and reliable.

a good replacement

A straightforward term denoting a satisfactory substitute.

an acceptable substitute

Highlights that the substitute meets the requirements.

a workable solution

Focuses on the alternative's effectiveness in resolving a problem.

a fitting solution

Implies that the solution is the right one to use.

a satisfactory answer

Highlights that the alternative is considered to be sufficient.

an adequate workaround

Suggests the alternative is sufficient, although maybe not ideal.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable alternative" to suggest a viable option when the first choice isn't possible or practical. For instance, "If the primary plan fails, a detailed plan could be "a reasonable alternative"".

What phrases can I use instead of "a reasonable alternative"?

You can use alternatives like "a viable option", "a sensible choice", or "a practical substitute" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a reasonable alternative" and "a suitable alternative"?

"A reasonable alternative" suggests a practical and logical option, while "a suitable alternative" implies that the option meets specific requirements or is appropriate for a particular situation. They are often interchangeable, but suitability is more context-dependent.

When is it appropriate to suggest "a reasonable alternative"?

It's appropriate when the original plan or option is unavailable, impractical, or undesirable. A good time to present a "reasonable alternative" is when providing solutions to problems or addressing potential roadblocks.