What’s the definition of alternate?

The definition of “alternate” depends on how the word is working in the sentence:

• As a verb, “alternate” means “to take turns” (e.g., “I alternate going to the office and working from home”).
• As an adjective, “alternate” means “every other” (e.g., “alternate colors”) or “replacing” (e.g., “let’s take an alternate route”).
• As a noun, “alternate” means “a replacement” (e.g., “the alternate Ophelia in the play”).

The noun and adjective definitions of “alternate” sometimes overlap with those of alternative, which means “another possibility” or related to such.

A QuillBot grammar check can make sure you’re using “alternate,” “alternative,” and other similar words correctly in your writing.