How to use the English word alternative？

 The word "alternative" can be used as both a noun and an adjective in English. Understanding its role in a sentence is key to using it correctly.

1. As a Noun (an alternative / alternatives)

When "alternative" is a noun, it refers to another option, choice, or possibility in a given situation. It often implies that there are at least two choices, and you're considering the one that isn't the primary or obvious one.

• Singular: "an alternative"

  • "If the main road is closed, we'll need an alternative route." (meaning, another route)

  • "Do you have an alternative suggestion?" (meaning, another suggestion)

  • "There's no alternative but to work late tonight if we want to finish this project." (meaning, no other choice)

• Plural: "alternatives"

  • "We discussed several alternatives for our holiday destination." (meaning, several other choices)

  • "The company is looking for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging." (meaning, other, more environmentally friendly options)

Key phrases with "alternative" as a noun:

• an alternative to (something): "Carob is a good alternative to chocolate for some people."

• no alternative but to (do something): "I had no alternative but to accept the offer."

2. As an Adjective (alternative + noun)

When "alternative" is an adjective, it describes something that is different from what is usual, traditional, or standard. It indicates that something is a choice among other possibilities.

• "They offer alternative therapies for stress relief." (meaning, therapies that are different from traditional medical treatments)

• "We need to find alternative sources of energy." (meaning, energy sources that are not the usual ones, like fossil fuels)

• "He chose an alternative lifestyle, living off-grid." (meaning, a lifestyle that is different from mainstream society)

Common collocations with "alternative" as an adjective:

• alternative medicine/therapy: treatments outside of conventional medicine.

• alternative energy: energy sources like solar or wind power.

• alternative lifestyle: a way of living that deviates from societal norms.

• alternative rock/music: a genre of music that is outside of mainstream popular music.

• alternative solution/approach: a different way of solving a problem or doing something.

Important distinction: "Alternative" vs. "Alternate"

While sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech, there's a subtle but important difference:

• Alternative (noun/adjective): Refers to a choice or option that is different.

• Alternate (adjective/verb):

  • As an adjective: means "every other" or "occurring in turns." (e.g., "They work on alternate days.")

  • As a verb: means to switch back and forth. (e.g., "The lights alternate between red and green.")

In most contexts where you're talking about choices or options, "alternative" is the word you want.

In summary:

Think of "alternative" as:

• Noun: "a different choice"

• Adjective: "different from the usual"

By keeping these definitions and usage patterns in mind, you can effectively use the word "alternative" in your English communication.