[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/alternate/)

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# alternate

adjective (alternate); verb (alternate, alternates, alternated, alternating); noun (an alternate)

«alternate» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To alternate means to change again and again between two things, one after the other: red, blue, red, blue. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#m1)
2. As an adjective, alternate means every second one: «on alternate days» = one day yes, one day no. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#m2)
3. In US English alternate also means another one you can use instead (an alternate route); a person who can take someone's place is an alternate. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#m3)

### In the lessons

In maths, alternating patterns repeat (ABAB), and «alternate numbers» are every other number (1, 3, 5…). In geometry, «alternate angles» are equal angles on opposite sides of a line crossing two parallel lines. In everyday life you take turns («alternate» who goes first) and some families alternate weekends. Phrases: «alternate between», «on alternate days», «alternate angles», «alternating current» (AC, in science).

### Examples

- Alternate red and yellow beads on the string. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x1)
- We have PE on alternate days. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x2)
- The weather alternated between sun and rain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x3)
- Take alternate steps on the stones to cross. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x4)
- Write the alternate numbers from 2: 2, 4, 6, 8. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x5)
- Mark the alternate angles on the parallel lines. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x6)
- The two brothers alternate washing and drying the dishes. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x7)
- If the road is closed, take an alternate route. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x8)
- Zeus gave the desired permission, and the faithful brothers were both allowed to live, but only on alternate days. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/#x9)

### Note

Pronunciation differs: adjective/noun «al-TER-nut» (UK) or «AWL-ter-nut» (US); verb «AWL-ter-nate». Trap: UK English «alternate» = every second one; «alternative» = another choice. Americans often use «alternate» for both. In maths, «on alternate days for 10 days» = 5 days.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «alternate» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/alternate/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«alternate» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/alternate.html) on Mova free.