alternative solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternative solution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are discussing a problem and proposing another solution other than the standard option. For example: "We have been unable to find a satisfactory solution to the problem, so we are looking into an alternative solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there is an alternative solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Kunlé Adeyemi has an alternative solution.

The Guardian - Arts

The alternative solution was to veil his face.

The Guardian

In just seconds she had come across an alternative solution.

The Guardian

An alternative solution is to carve it up between Santander and giant British bank HSBC.

The Guardian - Business

They no longer have this option, so they must come up with an alternative solution.

The Guardian - Sport

But here at the NFL Talkboard we have an alternative solution.

The Guardian - Sport

We had finally had enough pain to look at an alternative solution.

The Guardian

There are many problems with prescribing antidepressants when there could be an alternative solution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Lemmy certainly has an alternative solution to the one presently being tried," said Graham afterwards.

The Guardian - Music

AN alternative solution for funds would be to calculate net asset values differently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an "alternative solution", clearly articulate why it's preferable to the original approach, highlighting its benefits and addressing potential drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "alternative solution" as a guaranteed success without acknowledging its limitations or potential risks. A balanced perspective enhances credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternative solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a different option or method for addressing a problem or situation. Ludwig AI validates this as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alternative solution" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, signifying a different approach to resolving an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence spans diverse domains, notably news, science, and formal business contexts, underscoring its versatility. While many semantically related options exist, such as "alternate approach", the specific choice hinges on the context's nuance. When using "alternative solution", clarity regarding its advantages and limitations is paramount. Overall, this phrase offers a straightforward and effective way to present a different course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternate approach

Focuses more on the method or way of doing something, rather than the result itself.

different remedy

Suggests a different way to correct or improve a situation, often implying a problem that needs fixing.

another possibility

Highlights the aspect of choice or option, indicating there are multiple routes that can be taken.

a workaround

Implies a method to bypass an obstacle or problem, often temporary or not ideal.

a substitute

Emphasizes replacement with something similar but not necessarily identical or better.

plan B

Informal and suggests a backup plan in case the original plan fails.

fall back strategy

Emphasis on planning and preparation for handling the problems by falling back to another approach.

contingency plan

It indicates the existence of something set in place to handle unexpected issues.

Plan of Action

Implies on an existing plan designed for short range scope.

New tactics

Focuses on an approach that has not been done before and it's used in competitive contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "alternative solution" in a sentence?

You can use "alternative solution" when you're presenting another option to solve a problem. For example, "If the first plan doesn't work, we have an alternative solution ready to implement."

What are some phrases similar to "alternative solution"?

Similar phrases include "alternate approach", "different remedy", or "another possibility", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "alternative solution" and "alternate solution"?

The phrases "alternative solution" and "alternate solution" are often used interchangeably, with "alternative" being slightly more common and generally preferred in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to propose an "alternative solution"?

It's appropriate to propose an "alternative solution" when the current approach is failing, impractical, or has unacceptable drawbacks. Ensure you clearly articulate the benefits of your proposed alternative.