alternations

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternations" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to mean a change or succession of different things. For example, "The weather brought many alternations of sun and rain over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Ordinary 60-cycle (60-hertz) alternating voltage and even alternations at radio-wave frequencies switch direction far too slowly to produce this behaviour in clusters; microwave frequencies are required.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Revolving door alternations between civilian and military rule continued in countries ranging from Nigeria to Burundi, Chad to Congo.

The Guardian

All Slavic languages are synthetic, expressing grammatical meaning through the use of affixes (suffixes and, in verbal forms, also prefixes), vowel alternations partly inherited from Indo-European, and consonant alternations resulting from linguistic processes peculiar to Slavic alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some instances grammatical information that had been carried by suffixes came instead to be marked by alternations of root vowels e.g., *fōt/*fōti but English foot/feet, German Fuss/Füsse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hausa morphology is characterized by complex alternations of sound and tone sequences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In contrast to the coal cyclothems, predominantly marine intervals of Pennsylvanian age in the western midcontinent (Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri) exhibit cyclothems involving alternations of limestone and shale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, "alternations" can effectively describe the changes in experimental conditions or results.

Common error

Avoid using "alternations" as a one-size-fits-all term; consider more specific vocabulary like "fluctuations", "variations", or "cycles" to provide nuanced meaning to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "alternations" primarily functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple instances of change or variation. It is often used to describe recurring sequences or patterns, as demonstrated by Ludwig in the provided examples related to geological formations and linguistic processes. The expression is confirmed as usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

30%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "alternations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used plural noun that describes a series of changes or variations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently encountered in encyclopedic entries, scientific discussions, and news reporting, making it a versatile term for describing various cyclical patterns and changes. While generally suitable for formal contexts, it is important to consider more specific vocabulary, such as "fluctuations" or "variations", to add precision to your writing. Understanding the difference between "alternations" and "alterations" is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifts

Focuses on a change in position, direction, or focus.

variations

Emphasizes differences or deviations from a standard or norm.

fluctuations

Focuses on irregular variations or changes in level or quantity.

reversals

Focuses on a change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.

swings

Highlights large or dramatic changes in opinion, feeling, or situation.

cycles

Emphasizes a recurring sequence of events or phenomena.

oscillations

Highlights a regular back-and-forth movement or fluctuation.

permutations

Implies a rearrangement or change in the order of elements.

rotations

Suggests a circular movement around an axis or a sequence of turns.

modulations

Suggests a change or variation in tone, frequency, or amplitude.

FAQs

How is "alternations" typically used in a sentence?

The term "alternations" is used to describe a series of changes or variations, such as "the "alternations of wet and dry seasons"" or "alternations of limestone and shale".

What words can I use instead of "alternations"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "variations", "fluctuations", "cycles", or "shifts".

How does "alternations" differ from "alterations"?

"Alternations" refers to a series of changes between two or more things, while "alterations" ("alterations") generally refers to modifications or adjustments made to something.

Is it correct to use "alternations" in the context of political power?

Yes, "alternations" can be used to describe "alternation of power" between political parties or regimes.