Alternately vs Alternatively? When and How to Use These

As simple as the English language appears, it is not without its share of complications. This is even more prominent when it comes to similar words that have different meanings. One such case may lead you to ask, “alternately” vs. “alternatively,” when and how to use them?

“Alternately” functions as an adverb in a sentence. It conveys that something has two things that follow and succeed each other continually in a sequential manner. You can also use it to convey another possibility or option. “Alternatively,” is an adverb that conveys another possibility or option.

However, as you can tell, there is more to the use of both words than you have learned above. We bet you are looking to gain a thorough understanding of the use of both words. Well, we have got you covered. In this article, we will dive into details so you can use both words more easily.

When and How to Use the Word “Alternately” in a Sentence

Our first area of concern is when and how to use the word “alternately” in a sentence. Now, to break this down, we will need to dive into the meaning and nature of the word. In case you are wondering why, this is because the use of any English word depends largely on its nature and meaning.

When it comes to the nature of an English word, we are talking about the form that the word takes. Usually, this is determined by the part of speech that the word falls under. So, in most cases, when you wonder about a word’s nature, it means the part of speech you will categorize the word under.

On the other hand, the meaning of a word is more straightforward. This refers to the idea it conveys when used in a sentence. That is, what every reader will infer when they see the word in a sentence. A combination of these two things – nature and meaning – will determine how you should use a word in any sentence.

So, what is the nature and meaning of the word “alternately?”

In regards to the nature of the word “alternately,” the word is an adverb. We bet you guessed as much thanks to the presence of “ly” at the end of the word. As an adverb, it is a word that functions to qualify or modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

As you know, an adverb is a word that expresses a relation of time, place, circumstances, cause, degree, or manner. In turn, when used in a sentence, the word “alternately” also performs in the same way. It expresses a relation of manner while qualifying or modifying a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.

Now, what meaning does the word “alternately” convey in a sentence? Like we stated, what idea will the reader infer from its use in a sentence?

Generally, when you use the word “alternately” in a sentence, it conveys to the reader that something having two things follows and succeed each other continually in a sequential manner.

So, about when and how to use the word “alternately” in a sentence, you can use the word “alternately’ to convey this meaning. In such cases, your use of the word will be appropriate and acceptable. Now, here are some examples that depict the use of the word “alternately” in this sense.

1. If you listened to her speech during her inauguration, you would have realized that she sounded alternately confident and confused.
2. My advice to you is to thread the lime and pork wedges alternately on a skewer to get the best result.
3. The people of Tesus cowered in fear, alternately calling upon their gods to save them and cursing the invaders putting their lives at risk.
4. If there is one thing I find attractive about the Smiths, it is how their father hands out their monthly allowance alternately to his children.
5. You should have seen Mike on the bike as he practiced on it; his ride alternately turned, leaving him confused.

However, this is not the only meaning this word conveys as an adverb. In fact, this second meaning is where the confusion with the word “alternatively” comes in. This is because the word ‘alternately” can also mean “alternatively.”

In this sense, the word “alternately” can be used to convey another possibility or option. That is, instead of “X,” you have another option to try out “Y.” As you will see, this is quite similar to the meaning that the word “alternatively” conveys when used in a sentence.

So, you can also use the word “alternately” as an adverb to convey the existence of another possibility of option. In this instance, you will be using the word appropriately. Now, here are some examples that will help you better understand the use of this word in this sense in a sentence.

1. While you would prefer to send Mike, alternately, send Tyler to pick up Mary from school while coming back from the gym, they are not so far from each other.
2. I am currently craving a strawberry ice cream. I know it can be quite hard to find, so I would take vanilla ice cream alternately.
3. You can leave Mary to handle the whole logistics. Alternately, if you do not trust her to deliver, you can outsource the process.

Also, remember that the word “alternately” is a word derived from another. In this case, the root word is “alternate.” In turn, this word comes from the Latin word “alternatus,” which means “one after the other.” Remember that this is the basis of the use of the word when using it in any sentence.

When and How to Use the Word “Alternatively” in a Sentence

Next up, we will dive into when and how to use the word “alternatively” in a sentence. As we did above, we will need to examine the nature and meaning of the word. This is because this is the basis through which you can best appreciate using the word in a sentence.

As we stated above, the word’s nature is the function that it performs in a sentence. This is often reflected by the part of speech where the word falls under. For instance, where a word’s nature is a verb, it will function to depict action in a sentence.

On the other hand, the meaning of a word is the idea that it conveys. When you see the word, the thought that crosses your mind concerning the word is its meaning. For instance, when you see the word “food,” you immediately conceive something that people eat.

So, now, what is the meaning and nature of the word “alternatively?”

The word “alternatively,” just like the word “alternately,” functions as an adverb in a sentence. In turn, it acts to qualify or modify a verb, adjective, or other adverbs in a sentence. Typically, it expresses a relation of time, place, circumstances, cause, degree, manner, or cause.

On the other hand, the meaning of the word is straightforward. It means the existence of a different or separate option. It also connotes the existence of a different possibility. So, if you are wondering when and how to use the word ‘alternatively,” you use it to convey a possibility or another option.

Here are some examples that depict the use of the word “alternatively’ in a sentence.

1. If you are not interested in sending a mail, you can alternatively put a call through to us during the weekends.
2. Since you have the day off, you can finally visit the gym; alternatively, you can go to the market to get the groceries you need.
3. Alternatively, get yourself a Tesla; I have heard it comes with a wide range of technological advancement that makes it worth it.
4. Ordering for goods online comes with a certain degree of risk these days. Alternatively, it would be best if you prioritized going to the mall yourself.

Also, remember that the word “alternatively” is a word derived from another. In this case, the root word is “alternative.” Like in the case of the word “alternately,” the root word is associated with the Latin word “alternatus.”

However, in this case, the use of the word “alternatively” remains restricted to conveying the existence of a separate or different option. So, ensure that you restrict the use of this word to that meaning.

Understanding the Difference Between Both Words

As you can see, there is a significant similarity between both words. First, they both come from the same Latin word. You can also use the word “alternately” interchangeably with the word “alternatively” in some instances.

However, it would be best if you remembered that both words are still distinct while these similarities are compelling. When it comes to the word “alternatively,” you can only use it in one sense to show the existence of an option. On the other hand, the word “alternately” can be used in a sense above and also shows that something follows each other continually.

Now, to remember the appropriate word to use, here is a trick. Remember that the shorter word has two meanings while the longer word has one meaning. Quite the irony, right? So, ensure you remember this while writing.

Final Thoughts

The English language presents its fair share of confusion. One of such cases is with “alternately” and “alternatively.’ Well, you do not need to seek clarity far from here. In this article, we have discussed all you need to aid easy and correct usage of each word.

So, read up and enjoy.