alternating between

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternating between" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the action of repeatedly switching back and forth between two or more things. It indicates a sense of fluctuation or variation between these things. Example sentence: "She was constantly alternating between laughing and crying as she watched the emotional movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Seo was alternating between English and Korean.

The New York Times

(c) Alternating between your home and the beach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alternating between them actually created dual privileges for me.

The New York Times

He soon was alternating between comedies and tearjerkers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every spring is the play, alternating between drama and comedy.

The New York Times

Many novels use multiple points of view, for example, alternating between first and third.

The Guardian - Books

The bag became mixed, alternating between cod, dogfish bergalls and a horde of hake.

The New York Times - Sports

The technology works by rapidly alternating between left and right frames of the video.

The New York Times - Tech

His tone was Trumpian, alternating between tough talk and personal grievance.

The New Yorker

Yaeji sings sweetly, alternating between Korean and English, with a kind of twee confidence.

The New Yorker

"Mask Search" is a more typical Fall number, alternating between two or three simple patterns.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alternating between", ensure the items you are alternating between are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The presentation was alternating between data visualizations and anecdotal stories to keep the audience engaged."

Common error

Avoid using "alternating between" when more than two options are involved, as it implies a back-and-forth movement between only two choices. For scenarios with more than two options, consider using "varying among" or "shifting between".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternating between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe a recurring action or state that involves switching back and forth. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it connects two or more distinct entities or actions that are repeatedly exchanged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternating between" is a versatile phrase used to describe a repeated switching action between two or more options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, its function is to indicate dynamic shifts, making it crucial to clearly define the elements being alternated. Remember to avoid its use when more than two options are involved. Utilizing this phrase correctly can significantly enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switching back and forth between

Replaces "alternating" with the more explicit "switching back and forth".

changing from one to another

Uses a more general term "changing" instead of the specific "alternating".

oscillating between

Employs "oscillating", suggesting a rhythmic or cyclical movement between options.

fluctuating between

Uses "fluctuating" to emphasize the varying nature of the change.

varying between

Employs "varying" to indicate differences between the options.

moving back and forth between

Replaces "alternating" with a more descriptive phrase.

going from one to the other

Uses a simpler, more conversational tone.

reciprocating between

Suggests a mutual or reciprocal action between two options.

interchanging between

Indicates a process of exchanging one for the other.

trading off between

Implies a balanced exchange or compromise between two options.

FAQs

How do I use "alternating between" in a sentence?

"Alternating between" is used to describe the act of repeatedly switching between two or more things. For example, "The speaker was "alternating between" English and Spanish to accommodate the audience."

What can I say instead of "alternating between"?

You can use alternatives like "switching back and forth between", "changing from one to another", or "varying between" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "alternating among" instead of "alternating between"?

"Alternating between" is typically used when referring to two options, while "alternating among" is more appropriate when referring to three or more options. Therefore it depends on the amount of possibilities you are referring to.

What is the difference between ""alternating between"" and "fluctuating between"?

"Alternating between" implies a deliberate and often rhythmic switching, whereas "fluctuating between" suggests a more random and unpredictable variation. The former can also apply to planned or organised changes, the latter not.