alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a different option or choice available in a given context. Example: "We need to consider an alternative to our current marketing strategy to reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So what is the alternative?

The New York Times

"EE's decision on Friday is surprising in the context of a contract that has more than a year to run and leaves the board with no alternative but to seek the administrator's protection in the interests of all its stakeholders".

The Guardian - Business

"It was a judgment on our failure to move out of the comfort zone of critiquing the Tories and instead set out a positive alternative.

The Guardian

What is the alternative?

The New York Times - Sports

What was the alternative?

The New York Times - Books

There is an alternative.

The New York Times

They have no alternative.

The Economist

The poll shows almost two-to-one opposition to the speed of cuts, but that does not mean voters are yet persuaded there is an alternative.

The Guardian

Related: Election night TV – horror, tedium and constipated monologues ITV lost out for the second election in a row to Channel 4's Alternative Election Night fronted by former Newsnight anchor Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell, among many others.

The Guardian

Ms Tuchman argued that a folly's success was marked by the determination of its supporters to pursue a foolish and failed policy in the face of clear arguments in favour of an alternative course.

The Guardian - Opinion

An alternative trend emerges among those who have come from the public and voluntary sector, which is dominated by Labour MPs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an "alternative", clearly define what it is an "alternative" to. This provides context and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

While "alternative" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more specific terms like "option", "substitute", or "replacement" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The word "alternative" functions primarily as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it denotes a choice between two or more possibilities. As an adjective, it describes something that offers a choice or is different from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "alternative" is a versatile term used as both a noun and an adjective, primarily to indicate a choice or a deviation from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and commonly used in written English. It appears very frequently in news and media, and offers numerous semantically related phrases such as "another option" or "a substitute". To use the word effectively, be sure to clearly define what the "alternative" is in relation to. When using "alternative", avoid overuse in formal settings and consider more precise synonyms to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another option

Suggests a different choice or possibility from the one initially considered. It's generally more informal than "alternative".

an alternative strategy

Suggests a different, potentially more considered, approach to a specific goal.

a substitute

Implies something that takes the place of another, often due to necessity or unavailability. Focuses more on replacement than choice.

an alternate solution

Specifically suggests a different way to solve a problem. More focused on problem-solving than general choices.

a different route

Highlights a change in approach or method. Useful when discussing strategies or plans.

a fallback option

Indicates a safe option to revert to if other choices are unsuccessful. Emphasizes security and reliability.

a backup plan

Indicates a secondary strategy in case the primary one fails. Emphasizes contingency.

a different possibility

Highlights that a different option might exist, useful in speculative or exploratory contexts.

a second choice

Highlights a less preferred option that can be considered when the first is not available.

a replacement

Focuses on substituting one thing for another, often due to damage or depletion. Centers on the act of replacing.

FAQs

How can I use "alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "alternative" to suggest a different option or possibility. For example, "We need to consider an "alternative" approach."

What's a good substitute for "alternative"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "option", "substitute", or "replacement" as alternatives to "alternative".

Is it correct to say "there is no alternative"?

Yes, the phrase "there is no "alternative"" is a common expression used to indicate that there is no other option or choice available.

What is the difference between "alternative" and "option"?

"Alternative" implies a choice between two or more possibilities, whereas "option" simply refers to a choice that is available. An "alternative" is a type of option, but not all options are alternatives in the strict sense of being mutually exclusive.