What is alternative? Pronunciation and usage in English

alternative means . Learn how to pronounce and use alternative through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of alternative

alternativeadjective/noun

/ɔːlˈtəːnətɪv//ɒlˈtəːnətɪv/
Definition & pronunciation of alternative

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "alternative." It's a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • al-TER-nate

Let's break that down further:

  • al: Like the "al" in "alarm" - a short, quick sound.
  • TER: Rhymes with "her" or "stir." Make sure to put the emphasis on this syllable.
  • nate: Like "nate" (as in a name) - a short, quick sound.

Here's a more detailed guide, incorporating sounds:

  1. Start with “al”: Pronounce it like the "al" in "alarm". It's a very short, almost swallowed sound.

  2. Move to “ter”: This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "ter" as in "her." Make sure your tongue is slightly raised when you say this syllable.

  3. Finish with “nate”: Say "nate," emphasizing the "te" sound. It’s quick and light.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some helpful resources:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the stress: The emphasis is clearly on the second syllable ("ter").

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "alt-ER-nate": This is a common mistake because of the “er” sound. Remember, the "ter" sound is more like "her."
  • Over-emphasizing the first syllable ("al"): Keep it short and quick.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some more example words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word alternative in English

Let's break down how to use the word "alternative" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it in different contexts:

1. Core Meaning: A Replacement

At its most basic, "alternative" means something that can be chosen in place of something else. It’s a substitute.

  • Example: "I don’t like coffee, so I drink alternative drinks like tea." (Tea is an alternative to coffee.)
  • Example: “There's an alternative route to the city if the main road is closed.” (Another route is an alternative.)

2. Different Contexts and Nuances

Here’s how “alternative” is used in more specific ways:

  • a) Options/Choices: This is the most common usage. It suggests a range of possibilities.

    • Example: “We have several alternative solutions to this problem.” (Several different solutions are being offered.)
    • Example: “There are lots of alternatives for holiday destinations.” (A wide variety of places to go on holiday.)

  • b) Different Styles/Approaches: Used to describe something that deviates from the norm or a standard.

    • Example: "She prefers alternative music – it's not mainstream." (Her music preferences are different from popular music.)
    • Example: "He has an alternative approach to project management." (His method is different from the usual method.)
    • Example: “Our company embraced an alternative design style.” (A different design style – perhaps something more modern or unconventional.)

  • c) In Politics & Social Issues: Often refers to viewpoints or ideologies that challenge the dominant ones.

    • Example: “He supports alternative economic policies.” (Policies that are different from the standard economic policies.)
    • Example: "There’s a growing movement for alternative energy sources.” (Sources of energy beyond fossil fuels.)

  • d) Food & Drink: (Especially in British English) – Refers to a variation on a standard dish or drink.

    • Example: “I had a chocolate alternative to the ice cream.” (A chocolate flavor instead of the usual flavor.)
    • Example: “They offer a range of alternative ingredients for your pizza.” (Different toppings or crusts.)

  • e) Mathematics: A different method or approach to solving a problem.

    • Example: "The alternative method is more complicated but might be more accurate.”

3. Grammatical Usage

  • "Alternative" as an adjective: It's almost always used as an adjective describing something else. It modifies a noun.

    • Example: "The alternative plan."

  • "Alternative" as a noun: It can also be used as a noun, referring to the set of options or choices themselves.

    • Example: “Let’s consider the alternatives.” (Referring to the possibilities.)

4. Useful Phrases & Idioms:

  • "Provide an alternative": To offer a substitute. “The hospital provided an alternative location for the surgery.”
  • "Alternative viewpoint": A different perspective.
  • "There's no alternative": There’s no other choice. (Often used when expressing a difficult decision.)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an essay, talking to a friend, describing a product, etc.)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're trying to improve? If so, please share it!

Synonyms for the word alternative

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