together or alternatively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "together or alternatively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting two options or possibilities, indicating that both can be considered or one can be chosen instead of the other. Example: "You can submit your report together or alternatively, you can present it in person during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's time for the N.C.A.A. to get its act together, or, alternatively, to take the money out of it all.

The New Yorker

It proposed that the Commonwealth pull out of funding schools all together, or alternatively, retain full control independent schools while the states fund public schools.

The Guardian

A speed change can be achieved by running discs of different diameter together, or alternatively cones for turning corners as well.

Mechanical Design

To mimic the real-world setting, nurses who provided medical device training to patients trained infertile women and their significant others, either alone or more often together, or alternatively in small groups of up to three subjects.

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery

Had spatial structure been detected with the sPCA similarly shaded white-tailed deer locations would have clustered together or alternatively would appear clinal across the landscape from light to dark red.

Evolutionary Applications

The upshot of this is that, in your paper, you should avoid adding the primary and secondary values together, or alternatively you should find a good reference to say that adding them is OK (contrary to what I have said above).

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In this work, RBs that are fully utilized on a relatively low modulation order are lumped together in time, or alternatively in frequency, and a higher order modulation is used.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

After launch, the cellular arrays are deployed in space and are either preassembled or alternatively are attached together during their release or afterwards.

Acta Astronautica

The toroidal current density profile, or alternatively the q profile, together with the normalized beta, are often used to characterize these advanced scenarios.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Either kinase functions sequentially in a cascade, or alternatively they can function together as heterodimers to activate the downstream signaling pathways.

BMC Cancer

Together the pre-edited reading frame and the edited or alternatively edited reading frame create an extended, novel coding sequence.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting options, ensure that the context makes it clear whether choosing one option excludes the other. Use "together or alternatively" to clearly indicate that both options are viable, but separate.

Common error

Avoid using "together or alternatively" when the options are mutually exclusive. For example, instead of saying "You can eat the cake together or alternatively, throw it away", use it when both options can coexist in different contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "together or alternatively" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two potential courses of action or states. Ludwig AI shows examples where it introduces alternative methods or options, providing a structured way to present choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "together or alternatively" is a grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to present alternative possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, though it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding whether the options are mutually exclusive. Consider alternative phrases like "in conjunction or instead" to vary your writing. Remember to avoid using it when the options preclude each other.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in conjunction or instead

Directly offers two possibilities, one involving combination and the other substitution.

either jointly or as a substitute

Rephrases the idea with slightly more formal language, emphasizing the joint action versus replacement.

collectively or by choice

Highlights the aspect of group action versus individual selection of an alternative.

in unison or in lieu

A more concise way of suggesting a cooperative action or a replacement option.

jointly or on the other hand

More informal, focusing on presenting two distinct possibilities.

mutually or as a different course

Highlights that choices can be made with each other or in an independent different way.

as a group or as an option

Highlights that choices can be made with each other or in an independent different way.

in cooperation or in place of

Focuses on actions done together versus something that takes the place of the other.

as one or differently

A simple contrast between acting as a single unit versus acting separately.

combined or by contrast

Highlights that the options can be the combination of something versus the contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "together or alternatively" in a sentence?

Use "together or alternatively" to introduce two options, where one is a combined effort and the other is an alternative approach. For example: "We can address the issue "together or alternatively", you can handle it individually".

What phrases are similar to "together or alternatively"?

Similar phrases include "in conjunction or instead", "either jointly or as a substitute", and "jointly or on the other hand", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is "together or alternatively" formal or informal?

"Together or alternatively" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. Its clarity makes it useful in various types of writing.

Can "together or alternatively" be used to suggest mutually exclusive options?

While it can introduce alternatives, ensure the context clarifies whether the options are mutually exclusive or simply different approaches. If they are mutually exclusive, "either...or" might be a better choice.