Quick answer: Alternately means doing or happening in turns, one after the other, repeatedly: The lights flashed alternately red and green. Alternatively means "as another option" or "or instead": You could take the train, or alternatively, drive. If you can replace the word with "or instead", use alternatively; if you mean "taking turns", use alternately. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘alternately’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| alternately | adverb | in turns, one after the other, repeatedly | They stood alternately on one leg and then the other. |
| alternatively | adverb | introducing another option or choice; "or instead" | You could fly, or alternatively, take the ferry. |
Using Alternately
Alternately comes from "alternate" (to happen or do by turns) and describes two or more things occurring in a repeating sequence, one after the other.
The fabric is woven with alternately red and blue threads.
She felt alternately excited and terrified before the interview.
The two teams took turns batting alternately throughout the match.
The signal flashes alternately on and off every second.
Using Alternatively
Alternatively comes from "alternative" (another possible choice) and introduces a different option, often at the start of a sentence or clause.
We could meet at noon; alternatively, we could push it back to two o'clock.
You can pay online, or, alternatively, over the phone.
Alternatively, you might prefer a smaller, quieter hotel closer to the coast.
The recipe suggests butter; alternatively, use olive oil.
Memory Trick
AlternateLY = repeated turns, like a clock's tick-tock. AlternativeLY keeps the whole word "alternative" (a choice) inside it — if you can spot "alternative" (option) hiding in the word, it introduces a choice.
Common Mistakes
✗ You can drive, or alternately, take the bus.
✓ You can drive, or alternatively, take the bus.
✗ The children sang alternatively, one verse each.
✓ The children sang alternately, one verse each.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- Ask: does the sentence describe things taking turns? Use alternately.
- Ask: does the sentence offer another option or "or instead"? Use alternatively.
- Try substituting "or instead" — if it fits, use alternatively.
- Try substituting "by turns" or "taking turns" — if it fits, use alternately.
For more on related grammar, see linking words. Also confusing: Although vs Though, Also vs Too, Altogether vs All Together. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Alternately or Alternatively?
4 fill-in-the-blank questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “You could email us, or ___, call the office.”
2. “The bulbs blink ___ red and green.”
3. “___, you might consider a used car instead.”
4. “He felt ___ hopeful and anxious during the wait.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between alternately and alternatively?
Alternately means happening in turns, one after another repeatedly: "The lights flashed alternately red and green." Alternatively means introducing a different option or choice, similar to "or instead": "You could take the train, or alternatively, drive." They are not interchangeable despite looking similar.
How do I know which word to use in a sentence?
Try substituting "or instead" — if the sentence still makes sense, use alternatively. Try substituting "by turns" or "taking turns" — if that fits better, use alternately. This simple substitution test resolves almost every case.
Can alternatively be used at the start of a sentence?
Yes, this is very common, especially in formal or instructional writing: "Alternatively, you could book online." Alternately is less often used to open a sentence because it usually describes an ongoing repeated action rather than introducing a fresh idea.
Is 'alternate' the same as 'alternative' as an adjective?
In American English, 'alternate' is often used as an adjective meaning 'another' (an alternate route), overlapping with 'alternative'. In British English, this use is considered less standard, and 'alternative' is preferred for that meaning, while 'alternate' is reserved for 'every other' (alternate Tuesdays) or 'taking turns'.
What does 'alternate days' mean?
'Alternate days' means every other day — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and so on, not consecutive days: "He goes to the gym on alternate days." This use of alternate is an adjective, related to but distinct from the adverb alternately.
Can both words appear in the same sentence?
Yes: "The two presenters spoke alternately throughout the seminar; alternatively, attendees could watch a recorded version online." Here alternately describes the turn-taking of the speakers, while alternatively introduces a different way to access the content.
What word class are alternately and alternatively?
Both are adverbs, formed by adding -ly to the adjectives alternate and alternative respectively. Alternately modifies verbs describing repeated turn-taking actions; alternatively typically modifies a whole clause, introducing an alternative course of action.
Is there a difference in formality between the two words?
Not really in terms of formality — both are standard in written and spoken English. The difference is entirely one of meaning: turn-taking (alternately) versus offering a choice (alternatively).
What is a common exam mistake with these words?
Learners often write 'alternately' when they mean to offer another option, especially in essays and emails: "You can call us, or alternately, email." This should be 'alternatively'. Examiners in IELTS and Cambridge exams mark this as a vocabulary error.
How can I remember alternately vs alternatively?
Notice that 'alternative' (a choice) is a complete word hidden inside 'alternatively' — if you can see 'alternative' inside the word, it is offering a choice. 'Alternately' is shorter and relates to 'alternate', meaning to take turns, like a metronome swinging back and forth.