alternates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alternates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state of switching between two (or more) options or possibilities. For example, "The store alternates its closing times, depending on the day of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The current alternates between positive and negative values and therefore passes through zero twice every cycle.

The Economist

Their story alternates with that of Malik's brother, Ahl, who is searching in the autonomous coastal region of Puntland for his runaway stepson, Taxliil.

The Economist

The breaking up of the Christian Democrats' monopoly on power achieved by the "clean hands" corruption trials would allow Italy to become a more normal democracy in which power alternates between two main parties, providing strong government.This has not happened.

The Economist

Handily, lasers also enable a more advanced type of 3D operation.Most of today's 3D projectors have a filter that alternates rapidly between left- and right-handed circular polarisation, synchronised to scenes shot from slightly different perspectives.

The Economist

It alternates between two branches of the al-Sabah family, known as the al-Salem and al-Jaber lines, after the two sons of the current ruler's great-grandfather, Sheikh Mubarak, who died in 1915.In this section Hamas ahoy!

The Economist

Alternating between her image as the business-like mayor of the rich Caracas neighborhood of Chacao, and that of a Venezuelan Evita Peron, she continues to be watched more for her hairstyle (it alternates too, between Evita and the style of the Miss Universe that Ms Saez once was) than for her policy statements.

The Economist

Indeed, the real number of participants is over 200, since alternates have virtually the same rights as full members.

The Economist

It comes up again in the Muslim idea of flowing streams and plentiful virgins, though he notes that huri (Persian for nymph) may be a Koranic mistranslation of the Aramaic for "white raisin .Yearning for abundance alternates with the idea that real paradise is swapping earthly pleasure for something better.

The Economist

It will be wrong.The five-yearly congress, held in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, will appoint a new Central Committee (currently about 330 members, of whom about 40% are "alternates" with no voting rights).

The Economist

Farnborough, which alternates each year with Paris, is Europe's big aviation shindig.

The Economist

The voice of the patriarch, Eli McCullough, captured by Comanche Indians in 1849, alternates with those of his son and great-granddaughter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alternates", ensure the context clearly defines the elements or options between which the switching occurs. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "alternates" when there isn't a clear reciprocal relationship between the items or actions. Make sure that the subjects involved are actively switching or taking turns, rather than just changing independently.

Linguistic Context

The word "alternates" primarily functions as a verb, typically in the third-person singular form, to describe the act of something switching or occurring in turn with something else. Ludwig AI shows examples where it indicates a recurring change or exchange between two or more things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "alternates" is a versatile verb used to describe a recurring change or switching pattern between two or more elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. When writing, ensure that the reciprocal nature of the action is clear, indicating a consistent exchange or sequential change. By avoiding common errors and understanding its communicative purpose, you can effectively use "alternates" to convey dynamic relationships and patterns in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternating with

This describes two elements taking turns or happening one after the other in a sequence.

switches between

This alternative emphasizes a more abrupt change or transition between two distinct states or options.

interchanges with

This emphasizes the reciprocal exchange or substitution of elements or roles.

oscillates between

This suggests a rhythmic or cyclical movement between two points or conditions, often implying a regular pattern.

fluctuates between

This implies an irregular variation or wavering between different levels or conditions, without a fixed pattern.

varies from

This highlights the differences or range of change across a spectrum, rather than a strict back-and-forth.

rotates among

This implies a sequential change among multiple possibilities.

takes turns

This suggests that entities perform actions or have the position one after the other, not at the same time.

changes over

This is mainly used to indicate a specific period in time when something is gradually replaced by something else.

revolves around

This phrase means something is mainly focusing on, talking about or dedicated to particular topic or subject.

FAQs

How to use "alternates" in a sentence?

You can use "alternates" to describe a situation where something switches back and forth between two or more states or options. For example, "The museum "alternates" its exhibits every month".

What can I say instead of "alternates"?

You can use alternatives like "switches between", "varies from", or "alternating with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the schedule alternates"?

Yes, it is correct. It means the schedule varies or changes in a recurring pattern. For example, "The schedule "alternates" between morning and afternoon sessions".

What's the difference between "alternates" and "alternatives"?

"Alternates" is a verb that describes the act of switching back and forth, while "alternatives" are nouns that refer to different options or choices.