Understanding ‘Alternate’: A Versatile Word for Patterns and Turns
Explore the meaning and usage of ‘alternate’ as an adjective and verb. Learn its etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors. Perfect for expanding your vocabulary and preparing for standardized tests.
Imagine you’re walking down a street, noticing how the houses are numbered. Odd numbers on one side, even on the other.
This pattern of switching back and forth is a perfect example of our word for today: alternate.
Word type:
Alternate can function as an adjective, noun, or verb. Let’s focus on its use as an adjective, pronounced AL-ter-nit, and as a verb, pronounced AL-ter-nate.
Meaning: As an adjective, alternate means occurring by turns or in succession. It can also mean every other or every second.
As a verb, it means to perform or do in succession or rotate.
Word history: The word alternate comes from the Latin alternatus, meaning one after the other.
It entered the English language in the sixteenth century.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for alternate include constant, continuous, and unchanging.
Synonyms: Synonyms for alternate include alternating, rotating, successive, and intermittent.
Examples use in sentences:
As an adjective: The parking rules state that cars should park on alternate sides of the street on different days.
As a verb: The two teams will alternate using the football field for practice sessions. Common errors in use:
A common mistake is confusing alternate with alternative. While alternate refers to taking turns or every other one, alternative means a choice between two or more options.
To help remember the word alternate, think of that street with odd and even house numbers. The numbers alternate sides, just like many things in life alternate or take turns.
Whether it’s day and night, the seasons, or even your study schedule, recognizing patterns of alternation can help you use this word correctly and ace that SAT vocabulary section.
