alternatively speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternatively speaking" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce an alternative way of looking at or expressing an idea. Example: "The party could be held outdoors, or alternatively speaking, we could rent a private venue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Alternatively speaking Korean and writing questions in Korean, the translator obtained brief answers to several questions.

The New York Times

Alternatively speaking, s = u M T dissatisfies the constraint ∥s−s0∥2≤ε in (13) for a reasonable ε.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If the model lacks variables describing the existing selection process estimates of the parameters will be biased (or alternatively speaking, affected by omitted variables that describes selection process).

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Sitting idly by -- or, alternatively, speaking out -- as others in the lab commit research sins can sink the careers even of those who do nothing wrong.

Science Magazine

Alternatively speaking, MYO-QC is myopic while DP-MDP-QC is far-sighted.10 In a stochastic environment, myopic policies usually incur a higher expected long-term cost than far-sighed ones.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Alternatively, speaking softer or too quietly may cause you to be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Alternatively, speak to your current bank about setting up an international account.

BBC

Alternatively, speak to any friends that have already passed their driving test and ask them about their driving instructor.

WikiHow

Alternatively, speak to the university about the astronomy options that it does offer and work out whether taking courses in mathematics and/or physics with some astronomy input will be sufficient to enable you to later pursue postgraduate studies in astronomy alone.

WikiHow

Alternatively, to speak of "intuitive knowledge" (an intuitive grasp of being or of an intuition of the reality of the divine being) is to make an appeal to something that is not sufficiently clear to be of any value in establishing anything.

Britannica

"It's for the new gentleman — urbanites, after the explosion of jeans and sneakers," said Paul Surridge, the new designer at Z Zegna, speaking alternatively in his native English and fluent Italian learned through a fashion trajectory from Prada to Jil Sander.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alternatively speaking" to clearly signal that you are about to present a different perspective or option. This helps readers understand the structure of your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "alternatively speaking" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "conversely" or "on the other hand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternatively speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it introduces an alternative way of looking at or expressing an idea, similar to how adverbs modify a verb or clause to provide additional information or context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternatively speaking" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce an alternative perspective or explanation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in science, news, and wiki contexts. For more formal settings, consider using more concise alternatives like "conversely" or "in other words" to avoid redundancy. When employed judiciously, "alternatively speaking" effectively signals a shift in viewpoint and enhances clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in other words

This phrase clarifies a previous statement with different wording.

conversely

This term introduces an idea that contrasts with the previous one.

on the other hand

This phrase highlights an opposing viewpoint or option.

by contrast

This phrase emphasizes the difference between two things.

another way to put it

This option rephrases an idea for better understanding.

to put it differently

This phrase introduces a different formulation of the same idea.

from another angle

This introduces a different point of view.

as an alternative

This phrase offers a different course of action or idea.

looking at it differently

This option suggests reviewing the idea from a new perspective.

taking a different tack

This phrase describes a shift in strategy or approach.

FAQs

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

Use "alternatively speaking" to introduce a different way of expressing the same idea or a contrasting viewpoint. For example, "The data can be interpreted in one way; alternatively speaking, it could suggest the opposite conclusion."

What's the difference between "alternatively speaking" and "conversely"?

"Alternatively speaking" is a more verbose way of introducing a different perspective. "Conversely" is a more concise and formal option.

What can I say instead of "alternatively speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "in other words", "on the other hand", or "to put it differently" depending on the context.

Is "alternatively speaking" formal or informal?

"Alternatively speaking" leans towards a neutral register, suitable for both informal and slightly more formal contexts. However, it may sound somewhat redundant in highly formal or academic writing where more concise options are preferred.