alternatively as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternatively as" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when presenting another option or way of expressing something, but it is better to use more standard phrases. Example: "You can refer to the process as a 'workflow,' alternatively as a 'series of steps to complete a task.'"

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alternatively, as might be guessed from its title, E Nesbit's The Enchanted Castle is also set in a place where unexpected things happen.

The Guardian

The relation ≥ is called weak reduction, and it may be defined alternatively as follows.

SEP

May will have navigate the middle ground carefully, wary of being criticized as too pro-Trump or alternatively as too negative toward a future trading partner.

Huffington Post

Alternatively, as you suspect, something may be eating them.

The New York Times

He has been known alternatively as Brendan Li and Li Xiaobai.

The New York Times

Alternatively, as we come to learn, she can lay siege to them.

The New Yorker

Known for his outspokenness, Bo dismissed witness testimonies alternatively as "blasphemous", "ridiculous", "fictional" and "nonsense".

The Guardian - Opinion

Alternatively, as prop plonk is usually fruit juice, the interloper might blow the scene by commenting on the pretend beverage.

The Guardian

Alternatively: As her daughter Renesmee grows, she displays none of the clumsiness that plagued her once-human mother.

The New Yorker

And he said he would invest only in a single category of start-up, known alternatively as "software as a service" or "on-demand computing".

The New York Times - Tech

Alternatively, as many parents have done, the rest of your family can spend the weekend with relatives or friends, leaving you at home with your child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an alternative, consider using more common and fluid phrases like "or" or "as an alternative" to enhance clarity and readability. This helps avoid any perceived awkwardness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid consistently using the phrase "alternatively as" when simpler options like "or" or "instead" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted and less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternatively as" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing an alternative option or perspective. It connects two different possibilities, suggesting a choice between them. As Ludwig AI explains, its use is not incorrect, but it may sound awkward compared to more common alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alternatively as" is grammatically acceptable but less common than alternatives like "or" or "as an alternative". While present in various contexts such as science and news, as shown in Ludwig's examples, its usage can sometimes sound awkward. Therefore, consider simpler options for clearer and more natural writing. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is not incorrect but could be improved by choosing alternative phrases. Always aim for clarity and conciseness in your expression to ensure your message is effectively communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an alternative

This alternative places 'as' after 'alternative', creating a more standard and common phrasing.

or as another option

This option introduces the phrase with 'or', explicitly indicating a choice between two possibilities and emphasizing the optional nature of the alternative.

as a substitute

This suggests a direct replacement, implying the alternative serves the same function.

in place of

This phrase emphasizes the act of replacing one thing with another.

instead of

Focuses on choosing one option and rejecting another.

as a different approach

This option highlights the difference in method or strategy.

by way of alternative

A more formal and somewhat archaic phrasing.

as a secondary option

Emphasizes that the alternative is less preferred or common.

as an alternative method

Specifically indicates a different procedure or technique.

on the other hand

This phrase introduces a contrasting or opposing viewpoint or option.

FAQs

What's a more common substitute for "alternatively as"?

Phrases like "or", "as an alternative", or "instead" often provide clearer and more concise options for expressing alternatives.

How can I use "alternatively as" in a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, consider rephrasing for better flow. For example, instead of "You can do this, alternatively as that", try "You can do this, or you can do that".

Is "alternatively as" grammatically incorrect?

No, it's not strictly incorrect, but it's less common and can sound awkward. Using more standard phrasing will generally improve your writing.

Which sounds better: "alternatively as" or "as an alternative"?

"As an alternative" is generally preferred for its smoother and more natural sound in English.