alternate

Describing every second thing in a regular series, with one left between each pair.

• We meet on alternate Tuesdays.
• Paint alternate rows blue.
• She works alternate weekends throughout the summer.

Similar words: every other

Common phrases: alternate days, alternate weeks, alternate rows

Available as another choice instead of the usual one.

• We took an alternate route.
• The film has an alternate ending.
• Do you have an alternate plan if it rains?

Similar words: alternative

Common phrases: alternate route, alternate plan, alternate ending

To change back and forth between two activities, states, or things.

• Alternate work with rest.
• He alternated between hope and fear.
• The routine alternates gentle stretches with harder exercises.

How to use it: alternate between A and B (She alternates between walking and running.); alternate A with B (Alternate periods of study with short breaks.)

Similar words: switch

Common phrases: alternate between activities, alternate work with rest, alternate between colours, alternate from red

To take turns doing something with another person.

• We alternate doing the dishes.
• The nurses alternated taking the night shift.
• Can you alternate with me at the wheel?

How to use it: alternate doing something (We alternate cooking dinner.); alternate with someone (I alternate with my sister in caring for Dad.)

Similar words: take turns

Common phrases: alternate doing something, alternate with someone

To happen in turn with something else, each repeatedly following the other.

• Rain alternates with sunshine.
• Dark bands alternate with light ones.
• Long silences alternated with bursts of laughter.

How to use it: alternate with something (Rain alternates with sunshine throughout the day.)

Common phrases: alternate with rain, alternate with something

Someone chosen to take another person’s place if needed.

• The team chose two alternates.
• An alternate replaced the injured player.
• He served as an alternate on the jury.

How to use it: an alternate for someone (She was selected as an alternate for the captain.)

Similar words: substitute, replacement, reserve

Common phrases: an alternate for, team alternate, jury alternate