in alternation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in alternation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more things that happen, occur, or are used in turns. For example, "She baked a cake and a pie in alternation to divide the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vocalizing in unison and in alternation.

Columbia University

The ending is hauntingly spare, with major and minor chords in alternation.

The New Yorker

Each dog, in alternation, then "scratches" — is released to charge at its opponent.

The New Yorker

Large flatworms use pedal locomotion instead of or in alternation with ciliary activity.

Britannica

Groups of Igbira villages (wards) drew their chiefs in alternation from branches of ruling families.

Britannica

The process is repeated as desired, pressing the flange of each supply reel in alternation.

Stanford University

The history of newspapers in the rural West is one of crisis and triumph in alternation.

Stanford University

Mr. Temirkanov is also to open the orchestra's next season and future seasons in alternation with St . Petersburg

The New York Times - Arts

The program was a colorful sequence of sacred settings, with works by the two composers offered in alternation.

The New York Times - Arts

Little spikes and twirls of tone were deftly brushed in, above, below or in alternation with the piano.

The New York Times - Arts

I find that she wrote her best books, in alternation with her worst books, until near the end.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in alternation" when describing processes or arrangements where two or more elements repeatedly take place in sequence. For example, "The lights flashed red and blue in alternation during the emergency."

Common error

Avoid using "in alternation" when you mean that actions are happening at the same time. "In alternation" indicates a sequential, not simultaneous, occurrence. For example, don't say "They were laughing and crying in alternation" if they were doing both at once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in alternation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and providing information about the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is used to indicate that things happen sequentially, one after the other. For example, "The lights flashed red and blue in alternation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

26%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in alternation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes actions or events that occur sequentially. It's applicable across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and general communication. While highly versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from simultaneous actions. The expert rating confirms its grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency. Consider alternatives like "alternately" or "by turns" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternately

This is an adverb that directly mirrors the meaning of "in alternation" but is a single word.

in turn

Similar to "by turns", indicating a sequential order.

by turns

This phrase emphasizes the sequential nature of the actions or items, one after the other.

taking turns

A more informal way to express the concept of "in alternation".

in rotation

Implies a cyclical pattern, often used when there are more than two elements.

one after the other

Simple and direct, emphasizing the sequential aspect.

reciprocally

Highlights the mutual or corresponding nature of the actions.

sequentially

Emphasizes a strict order or sequence.

interchangeably

Suggests that the items can be used in place of each other without significant difference.

by sequence

A structured progression from one item or action to the next.

FAQs

How can I use "in alternation" in a sentence?

Use "in alternation" to describe events, actions, or items that follow each other sequentially. For example, "The colors changed "by turns"" or "The band alternated fast and slow songs "one after the other"".

What is an alternative to using the phrase "in alternation"?

Alternatives include "alternately", "by turns", or "in turn", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "alternate" instead of "in alternation"?

While "alternate" can function as a verb, the phrase "in alternation" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, providing more context about how something is done. For example, you might "alternate" tasks, or perform tasks "in alternation".

What's the difference between "in alternation" and "alternating"?

"Alternating" is a verb form used to describe the act of switching back and forth, while "in alternation" is an adverbial phrase that describes the manner in which something is done. For instance, "The lights were alternating" versus "The lights flashed "in alternation"".