alternating current

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternating current" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe electricity in which the direction of the current periodically reverses. For example, "The device was powered by alternating current, which cycled from positive to negative many times per second."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It involves playing with the nature of alternating current.

The New York Times

This vibration creates an alternating current that can be tapped.

The Economist

But they lost significant amounts of energy when conveying alternating current, or AC.

The New York Times - Science

Mayor Hugh Grant angrily ordered all high-voltage alternating current electric arc lights shut off.

The New York Times

A forty-two-year-old Dominican immigrant, she is an alternating current of zest and sorrow.

The New Yorker

Edison, an advocate of direct current, was competing with George Westinghouse, who favored alternating current.

The New York Times - Arts

Because of an alternating current, the river's Native American name means "river that flows both ways".

The New York Times - Sports

The entire electric generating and distribution system used alternating current from machines built by Westinghouse.

The New York Times

Mains electricity in America is supplied as alternating current at 60 hertz.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

U.S. electrical engineer and inventor whose discoveries in the field of alternating-current phenomena led to the development of successful alternating-current motors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AC/DC (Meaning: Alternating Current/Direct Current) was printed on the back.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about electrical systems, clarify the type of current—"alternating current" (AC) or direct current (DC)—to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "alternating current" and direct current interchangeably. "Alternating current" periodically reverses direction, while direct current flows in one direction only. Use the correct term to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternating current" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, referring to a type of electrical current. As supported by Ludwig, this current reverses its direction periodically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternating current" (AC) is a widely used term referring to electrical current that periodically reverses direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts and abbreviated as "ac current". When writing, ensure you differentiate between AC and DC to maintain accuracy. Common mistakes include confusing it with direct current or not specifying the type of current at all. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently use this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ac current

A shorter, more concise abbreviation of "alternating current".

alternating electric current

Adds the adjective "electric" to specify the type of current, providing more clarity.

ac power

Refers to the power generated or supplied by "alternating current".

alternating voltage

Focuses on the voltage aspect of "alternating current", which also alternates.

sinusoidal current

Specifies the waveform shape of the "alternating current", indicating a sine wave.

oscillating current

Highlights the oscillating nature of the current, which is a key characteristic of "alternating current".

bi-directional current

Describes the current's ability to flow in two directions, a fundamental feature of "alternating current".

changing polarity current

Emphasizes the change in polarity as a defining feature of "alternating current".

alternating waveform

Shifts the focus to the waveform of the current, which alternates between positive and negative values.

reversing current

Highlights the reversing direction of the current flow, a primary characteristic of "alternating current".

FAQs

What is the difference between "alternating current" and direct current?

"Alternating current" (AC) periodically reverses direction, while direct current (DC) flows in only one direction. Most household electricity is AC, while batteries provide DC.

What are some advantages of using "alternating current"?

"Alternating current" is efficient for long-distance transmission and can be easily stepped up or down in voltage using transformers, making it suitable for power distribution.

Where is "alternating current" commonly used?

"Alternating current" is used in most household appliances, power grids, and industrial equipment due to its efficiency in transmission and distribution.

Can I use "ac current" instead of "alternating current"?

Yes, "ac current" is a common abbreviation for "alternating current" and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.