in alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in alternative" is a valid and usable part of written English.
It is usually used as an adverb to mean "as an alternative," which indicates the existence of other choices. For example: "I can study math in alternative to English."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then than I'll put in alternative cuts.

The New York Times

Another trend is in alternative sources.

Independent

BP "believes in alternative energy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, an expert in alternative medicine.

The Guardian

The United States has been a laggard in alternative vehicles.

The New York Times

She says her daughter is not interested in alternative medicine.

The New York Times - Style

In alternative rooms, the environment was hipper and more collegiate.

The New Yorker

Young's recovery spurred his immersion in alternative medicine.

The New Yorker

My stepmother was really interested in alternative education.

The Guardian - Music

Costlier crude encourages investments in alternative energy sources.

The New York Times

They might also do well to invest in alternative energy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in alternative", ensure it clearly indicates a choice or different approach. Consider if a more precise word like "instead" or "alternatively" might improve clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "in alternative" can sometimes sound less formal than options like "as an alternative" or "instead". Evaluate the context and choose the phrasing that best suits the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in alternative" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates an available option or substitute. As Ludwig AI states, it's a valid part of written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in alternative" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase employed to introduce a different option or approach. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase in written English. Though "in alternative" is widely used, it might be less formal than options like "as an alternative" and “instead”, hence, it is important to consider your audience and context when using the phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig show that "in alternative" is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, and is used to expand the options. For greater clarity and precision, consider options such as "instead" or "alternatively", especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in option

Replaces "alternative" with "option", focusing on choice.

in other options

Directly refers to the availability of different choices.

in substitute

Emphasizes replacement or substitution.

in replacement

Suggests the act of replacing something.

in workaround

Highlights a method to bypass a problem or limitation.

in a substitute

Similar to "in substitute" but with a slightly different grammatical structure.

in variation

Focuses on a modified or different form.

in surrogate

Implies a role as a replacement or stand-in.

in solution

Highlights a way to resolve a problem or difficulty.

in parallel

Suggests simultaneous or corresponding approaches.

FAQs

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

You can use "in alternative" to introduce a different option or method. For example, "We can proceed with the original plan, or "in alternative", explore a new strategy."

What are some alternatives to "in alternative"?

Some alternatives include "instead", "alternatively", or "as an alternative". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in alternative" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "in alternative" leans towards the less formal side. In professional or academic writing, consider using more formal options like "as an alternative" or rephrasing for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "in alternative" and "alternatively"?

"In alternative" functions as a prepositional phrase, while "alternatively" is an adverb. "Alternatively" often provides a smoother transition and can enhance sentence flow.