alternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "alternation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which one event or thing is followed by another of a different kind in a repeated cycle. For example, "The alternation between day and night creates a daily rhythm for the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disjunction, in logic, relation or connection of terms in a proposition to express the concept "or"; it is a statement of alternatives (sometimes called "alternation").

Encyclopedia Britannica

But not all are like this.The mainline revivalist parties in Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan have said that they wish to operate within a democratic system multi-party free electionsystem multi-partygovernment and all.

The Economist

Resentment among the losers is inevitable, even if they know it will be "their turn to eat next".Power alternation also polarises debate.

The Economist

That has helped to break the cycle of political violence which dogged the region, produced a healthy alternation of power, and directed attention to deep-rooted social problems.

The Economist

The more cynical believe that the powerful prime minister, Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah, wishes to become emir himself, and so was pleased to see his half-brother, Sheikh Jaber, replaced by a feeble al-Salem, who fulfils the alternation rule but may not stay in office very long.

The Economist

The Muslim Brotherhood, strong in Egypt and Jordan, published on May 19th the movement's first collective commitment to pluralism, multi-party elections and the desirability of the alternation of government.

The Economist

As in other well-run bits of India, such as Kerala, the alternation of parties in office appears to encourage politicians to be responsible.

The Economist

Herd-like behaviour ensures an alternation of feasts and famines.

The Economist

It is a world between worlds in which the realities are frequent physical discomfort, the wearying alternation between light and dark, anxieties about food, the mercies of wind and waves, not to mention the perpetual company of strangers.

The Economist

Its arrival in the presidency would represent a healthy alternation of power.The economic uncertaintiesFor all that, a Lula presidency will stand or fall on its management of the economy.

The Economist

Too many people ReprintsFelipe Calderon, leader of the PAN, used his meeting with Mr Clinton, he said, to "make clear in an election year that the PAN is a real option for an alternation of power".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alternation" when you want to emphasize a recurring pattern or sequence of two or more distinct elements. Be specific about what is alternating to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "alternation" when you simply mean something has changed once. "Alternation" implies a repeated or cyclical change, not a singular occurrence.

Linguistic Context

"Alternation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act, process, or state of alternating. It describes a pattern of reciprocal succession or cyclical change, as seen in the Ludwig examples involving alternation of power and alternation of day and night. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternation" correctly describes a recurring sequence or change between two or more distinct elements. The word sees frequent use across authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica, making it a common term in formal writing and academic discourse, as confirmed by Ludwig. When using "alternation", ensure to convey the idea of a repeated cycle rather than a one-time change, and specify the entities involved in the sequence to avoid ambiguity. Remember that the "reciprocal succession" or "cyclical pattern" are great alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal succession

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of the sequence.

cyclical pattern

Highlights the recurring nature of the sequence or change.

periodic change

Focuses on changes occurring at regular intervals.

rotational shift

Suggests a change in position or state that involves a recurring sequence.

sequential exchange

Implies a series of exchanges that follow a specific order.

interchange

Focuses on mutual exchange and the back-and-forth aspect.

fluctuation

Implies an irregular pattern of rising and falling or changing states.

oscillation

Suggests a movement back and forth between two points or states.

permutation

Highlights a reordering or rearrangement of elements.

variation

Emphasizes differences and changes within a set or system.

FAQs

How is "alternation" used in political contexts?

In politics, "alternation" often refers to the peaceful "transfer of power" between different parties or leaders, highlighting a healthy democracy.

What's the difference between "alternation" and "alteration"?

"Alternation" refers to a recurring sequence or change between two or more things, while "alteration" means a change or modification to something.

Can you provide an example of "alternation" in biology?

In biology, "alternation" can describe the "alternation of generations" in plants, where they alternate between a sexual and asexual phase in their life cycle.

What are some synonyms for "alternation" in a general context?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "alternation" include "reciprocal succession", "cyclical pattern", or "periodic change".