alternatives

USAGE SUMMARY

"alternatives" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to different choices or solutions that can be used to solve a problem. For example: "We discussed a few alternatives before finally making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arthouse alternatives include Olivier Assayas's Clouds of Sils Maria and Cannes award winner The Tribe. 1.

The Guardian - Film

As director of the charity New Harvest, Datar works to connect and rally those exploring all manner of alternatives to conventional, mass-produced animal products.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So we asked whether feasible alternatives were available.

The Guardian

Today, cubers can generate dozens of alternatives using computers.

The Guardian - Tech

JP Morgan has already said it will allow employees to use iPhones or other alternatives to the standard-issue BlackBerry while British bank Standard Chartered already gives employees the choice to use iPhones.

The Guardian - Tech

The alternatives would not be as effective if people are distracted by other online content.

The Guardian

Sustainable solutions involve uniting and strengthening law enforcement agencies, and creating real employment alternatives in smuggler towns.

The Guardian

The government recently warned that alternatives to HS2 could spell massive disruption on mainline railways, but expects others to accept massively disrupted local lives.

The Guardian

Here are Romney's projected percentages of the vote v the conservative alternatives in those upcoming primaries.

The Guardian - Opinion

More likely, if anything, it would lead to long-standing conservative alternatives – allowing companies to sell insurance across state lines, for example – that would lead to a race-to-the-bottom among the states and worsen the quality of care across the board.

The Guardian

As universities have developed more upmarket accommodation, many have bundled other services such as catering into accommodation packages, with no chance to opt out and hunt for cheaper alternatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alternatives" to introduce a range of possibilities, encouraging exploration and innovation rather than limiting choices.

Common error

Don't just list "alternatives" without considering their potential drawbacks or side effects. A comprehensive evaluation ensures a well-informed decision.

Linguistic Context

The term "alternatives" functions as a plural noun, representing multiple options or choices available in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing its role in diverse contexts ranging from news to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternatives" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun that signifies a variety of choices or solutions. According to Ludwig AI, this term is suitable across diverse contexts, ranging from news and business to science and technology. It serves the purpose of presenting multiple possibilities, facilitating informed decision-making. While primarily neutral in register, the impact of "alternatives" can vary based on the specific context and the criteria used for evaluating each option. Remember to consider potential drawbacks and unintended consequences when presenting "alternatives" to ensure a well-rounded and effective evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

other options

Focuses on the aspect of choice and possibility.

different choices

Emphasizes the variety available in the selection process.

possible substitutes

Highlights the aspect of replacing something with a viable option.

available solutions

Highlights the aspect of problem-solving and practicality.

alternative courses of action

Presents a more formal and structured approach to options.

potential routes

Focuses on the aspect of different paths or directions.

various methods

Highlights the diversity of processes or strategies.

workarounds

Suggests creative or less conventional solutions to overcome a problem.

contingency plans

Implies a proactive approach to preparing for unforeseen situations.

fallback options

Emphasizes the safety net aspect of having alternatives in case the primary plan fails.

FAQs

How can I use "alternatives" in a sentence?

You can use "alternatives" to refer to different choices or solutions that can be used to solve a problem. For example, "We need to consider all the "other options" before making a decision."

What's a simple way to define "alternatives"?

"Alternatives" are other "different choices" or courses of action that you can take instead of something else.

What can I say instead of "alternatives"?

You can use "available solutions", "possible substitutes", or "alternative courses of action" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "alternatives" and "options"?

While often interchangeable, "alternatives" can sometimes imply a necessity for change, whereas "options" simply suggest a range of choices. Consider using "other options" when the negative connotation of change is not desired.