alternating turns

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternating turns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when two or more people take turns doing something, usually going back and forth in a pattern. For example, "We had a friendly competition to see who could solve the puzzle first, taking alternating turns to make moves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

On alternating turns, players can remove any coin they like.

The New York Times

Well into the solo, while keeping up the footwork, she began a series of alternating turns to right and left.

The New York Times - Arts

After the first season of "Sherlock," he was impressive in alternating turns as the title character and the monster in Danny Boyle's stage "Frankenstein".

The New Yorker

A faint smell of sewage and brine gave way, in alternating turns, to sulfur and burning rubber and, occasionally, just plain gas station, depending on the changing ingredients: diesel, No. 2 home heating oil, naphtha.

The New Yorker

Turn-taking, the fundamental organization of talk-in-interaction, is sequential organization of talk in conversation, in which one person speaks at a time in alternating turns.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Games have always had social aspects, to be sure: alternating turns or watching your friend who was lucky enough to own a PS1 play through Final Fantasy is no doubt an experience common to many of my particular vintage.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Harris and Carter have alternated turns winning games in the waning seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Players alternate turns with each successive level, ultimately completing all 10 levels.

Cornell University

The result reads like two very different books shuffled together, jostling one another uncomfortably as they alternate turns over nearly eight hundred pages.

The New Yorker

White moves first, after which the players alternate turns in accordance with fixed rules, each player attempting to force the opponent's principal piece, the King, into checkmate a position where it is unable to avoid capture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She took alternate turns to right and left, fell swiftly to the floor in a sudden and spectacular backbend, and then, kneeling, began to brilliantly coordinate head (moving side to side) and hands.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alternating turns" to clearly describe scenarios where actions or responsibilities are shared sequentially between two or more parties. It adds clarity and emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "alternating turns" when describing simultaneous actions. This phrase specifically implies a sequential, not concurrent, sharing of actions or responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternating turns" functions as a descriptive term indicating a sequential exchange of actions or roles between two or more parties. It is used to describe processes or activities where participants take turns in a structured manner, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternating turns" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe situations where actions or responsibilities are shared sequentially. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While "alternate turns" is understandable, "alternating turns" is preferred for clarity and adherence to standard grammar. When using this phrase, ensure that the actions described are indeed sequential and not simultaneous. By mastering this distinction, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking turns

Emphasizes the act of each party partaking in sequence.

rotating sequence

Highlights the cyclical and repetitive nature of the action.

sequential order

Focuses on the arrangement of actions in a specific order.

in succession

Suggests actions happening one after another.

interchanging roles

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the action where roles or responsibilities are swapped.

reciprocal action

Focuses on the mutual or corresponding nature of the action.

shifting responsibilities

Implies the transfer of duties or obligations between parties.

trading places

Suggests switching positions or roles.

successive actions

Highlights actions happening one after another in a series.

alternating phases

Emphasizes distinct periods or stages that occur in a sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "alternating turns" in a sentence?

You can use "alternating turns" to describe situations where individuals or groups take actions in a sequence, such as "The players were "taking alternating turns" to complete the game."

What are some alternatives to saying "alternating turns"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "taking turns", "in succession", or "sequential order".

Is it correct to say "alternate turns" instead of "alternating turns"?

While "alternate turns" can be understood, "alternating turns" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted form.

What does "alternating turns" imply about the action being described?

"Alternating turns" implies that the action is performed sequentially, with each participant or group taking a turn before the next one starts. It emphasizes a balanced and reciprocal sharing of the activity.