it alternated between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it alternated between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that changes back and forth between two or more states or options. Example: "The weather this week has been unpredictable; it alternated between sunny and rainy throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The conflict lasted between 1991 and 2002 and, although it alternated between periods of higher and lower intensity and affected the areas of the country in different ways, it paralyzed the economy and the provision of public services and caused the destruction of the infrastructures and governmental institutions throughout the country.

Conflict and Health

Greenspan stayed with the band a year, during which time it alternated between touring and playing in New York.

The New Yorker

Even when Erdem did a rugby shirt stripe, it alternated between chiffon and duchesse satin, crusted with feathers.

Independent

The days I spent reading it alternated between something approaching elation at the book's audacity and vision; and sheer weariness and suspicion, as if it were itself the perpetration of – well, if not a fraud, then a kind of deception.

The Guardian - Books

It alternated between 0.33 and 0.42 for the remaining time.

International Aquatic Research

It alternated between being annoying and amusing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As I sipped it, I alternated between thinking it was either an awful pumpkin latte or a decent one.

Huffington Post

Mazzei squeals when I mention it: "I alternated between screaming and sobbing for an hour".

Vice

The first time I did it, I alternated between shaking and weeping and occasionally broke into peals of maniacal laughter.

Huffington Post

"Cyrano" is a big play that wears its importance lightly; it alternates between spectacle (the opening, for instance, includes an elaborate sword fight) and nuanced, character-driven scenes.

The New Yorker

During its life cycle, it alternates between mammalian hosts (bloodstream stages) and the tsetse fly insect vector (such as the procyclic stage), with significant morphogenetic changes including flagellum positioning [10].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it alternated between", ensure that the subjects being alternated are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The play alternated between scenes of comedy and tragedy."

Common error

Avoid using "alternative" when you mean "alternate". "Alternative" refers to a choice, while "alternate" refers to something occurring in turns. For instance, it's incorrect to say, "The meeting had alternative speakers"; instead, say, "The meeting alternated between speakers."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it alternated between" functions as a descriptive expression indicating a recurring shift or change between two defined states, conditions, or options. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it alternated between" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that changes back and forth between two options. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in news articles and scientific reports, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, it's essential to define the options clearly. For semantically similar alternatives, consider using "it fluctuated between" or "it varied between" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it fluctuated between

Emphasizes a continuous variation or oscillation between different points.

it varied between

Focuses on the range of differences observed between different states.

it switched between

Highlights an abrupt change or transition from one state to another.

it oscillated between

Suggests a regular back-and-forth movement, often with a rhythmic quality.

it ranged between

Implies a span or spectrum within which the subject varies.

it shifted between

Indicates a movement or displacement between different positions or conditions.

it cycled between

Suggests a repeating sequence of changes between different states.

it seesawed between

Conveys an up-and-down movement, like a seesaw, between two extremes.

it wavered between

Implies a hesitation or indecision, with movement back and forth between choices.

it morphed between

Signifies a transformation, with changes occurring between distinct forms.

FAQs

How can I use "it alternated between" in a sentence?

Use "it alternated between" to describe a situation or thing that switches back and forth between two or more states, conditions, or options. For example: "The weather it alternated between sun and rain."

What can I say instead of "it alternated between"?

You can use alternatives like "it fluctuated between", "it varied between", or "it switched between" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it alternated between"?

Yes, "it alternated between" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English grammar structure of using a pronoun ("it") followed by a verb ("alternated") and a preposition ("between") to describe a recurring change.

What's the difference between "it alternated between" and "it alternated among"?

"It alternated between" is used when there are two options, while "it alternated among" is used when there are three or more. For example, "it alternated between joy and sadness" vs. "it alternated among joy, sadness, and anger".