Alternate vs. Alternative | Class 10 English Grammar

• I play cricket on alternate days.
• I see him on alternate days.
• I water the plants on alternate days.
• It would be nice if he had to work only on alternate days.

Alternately is an adverb. If something takes place alternately, then it takes place in turns.

• She would cry and laugh alternately.
• It would rain and shine alternately.
• I am alternately happy and sad.

Alternative and alternatively

An alternative is a choice between two or more things.

• Trains are late and overcrowded. An alternative option is to take the bus.
• I had to obey. There was no alternative.

Alternative can also be an adjective. In this case, it means different or instead.

• If this plan does not work out, we will have to find an alternative one.
• Rahul is not free on Monday. We will have to find an alternative date for the conference.

Alternatively is an adverb.

• You could wait till Rohit comes, or alternatively you could go without him.

Alternately