adj / n · neutral
alternative
UK/ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/US/ɑːlˈtɝːnətɪv/al·TER·na·tive
Band 5-6speakingtask2
Something that can be used instead of something else; another option or choice.
Examples
“We need an alternative plan in case the main proposal fails.”
“Solar power is an alternative to fossil fuels.”
“Is there an alternative route to avoid the traffic?”
Band 8 sentence
“If public transport became more reliable, it would offer a realistic alternative to commuting by car.”
Collocations
- an alternative to
- alternative energy / alternative fuel
- seek/find an alternative
Word family
alternative nounalternative adjectivealternatively adverb
Common mistakes
alternative of→alternative to
other option→alternative
Say it for a higher band
5other choice→6other option→7+alternative
Synonyms
option
substitute
Easily confused
alternate
“They meet on alternate Fridays to share duties.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In -ive
Learn it with its set