on alternate points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on alternate points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something occurs at every other point or location in a sequence or arrangement. Example: "The lights were placed on alternate points along the pathway to create a beautiful illumination effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Equally, the receiving team must decide at the start of each set which of them shall receive service first, and they then receive service on alternate points for that game and set.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It prompted America's Department of Defence to build a digital model of the battle for training.Neale Cosby, the retired army colonel who led the project at the Institute for Defence Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia, says it let commanders watch the action on panoramic screens, select alternate points of view and identify potential improvements in weaponry and tactics.

The Economist

In this system, 6 emitters and 6 detectors were placed at alternate points on a 2 × 6 grid, enabling us to detect signals from 16 channels (see Figures  1 and 2).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Of course, you know your family best, so don't cut off Aunt Ginger on our account, and be sure to check out Sam Sifton's thoughts on Turkey Day imbibing for an alternate point of view.

Huffington Post

In "A Newer World," David Roberts draws on previous works about Carson and Fremont, but also sets out to incorporate recent historical scholarship about American Indians to provide a needed alternate point of view.

The New York Times - Books

Told from alternating points of view, this quirky romance keeps readers amused and excited.

The Guardian

The novel is told from the alternating points of view of the two women.

The Guardian - Books

Present tense and multiple, alternating points of view – none of that talk interests me either.

The Guardian - Books

Rats were accessed for arthritic index on alternate days from 0 4 point scale (Table 1).

BioMed Research International

"I only came home on alternate weekends.

The New York Times - Magazine

Different sets of residents would arrive on alternate weekends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on alternate points", ensure the context clearly establishes what constitutes a 'point'. It could refer to positions, moments in time, or stages in a process. Clarify the reference to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands the alternating pattern. Explicitly state the pattern if it's not immediately obvious. For example, specify whether it's every other item, or according to a particular sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on alternate points" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying a location or arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that items or actions occur at every other defined location or stage in a sequence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on alternate points" is a prepositional phrase used to describe arrangements or sequences occurring at every other designated location or stage. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and best used when a specific, alternating pattern needs to be emphasized. For clearer communication, consider simpler alternatives like "at every other point". Remember to ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'point' to avoid any ambiguity. Although the phrase finds use across diverse contexts, its usage is relatively rare. Ludwig's analysis shows its presence in various domains, demanding careful tailoring to suit the register of the surrounding discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at every other point

Uses a more direct and common way to express alternation.

on every second point

Replaces "alternate" with "second" offering a numerical alternative.

every second location

Replaces "alternate" with "second" and shifts to spatial context.

at alternating spots

Focuses on spatial distribution rather than a more abstract sequence.

on alternating locations

Shifts focus from points to locations, implying a spatial context.

in an alternating sequence of points

Adds emphasis on sequence and arrangement.

spaced on alternate positions

Focuses on spatial arrangement, using "spaced" and "positions".

arranged on alternate selections

Emphasizes that the points are alternated based on particular choice.

taking turns at different points

Emphasizes the concept of taking turns rather than strict alternation.

distributed on alternate nodes

Uses "nodes" instead of "points", suitable for technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "on alternate points" in a sentence?

Use "on alternate points" to describe arrangements or sequences where elements are positioned or occur at every other point. For example, "The decorations were placed "on alternate points" along the path."

What's a simple alternative to "on alternate points"?

A simpler alternative is "at every other point". It conveys the same meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is "on alternate points" formal or informal?

"On alternate points" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings. For instance, you might say "every other spot" informally.

How does "on alternate points" differ from "at random points"?

"On alternate points" implies a defined pattern, while "at random points" suggests no specific order or arrangement.