noun / adjective · neutral
alternative
UK/ɒlˈtɜːnətɪv/US/ɔːlˈtɝːnətɪv/al·TER·na·tive
one of two or more available choices; something that can be used instead
Examples
“They proposed an alternative to the current plan.”
“Alternative medicine is popular among some people.”
“We need an alternative route because the main road is closed.”
Band 8 sentence
“When public transport becomes unreliable, urban planners must prioritise providing affordable alternatives to private car use to reduce congestion.”
Collocations
- alternative to
- alternative solution
- seek an alternative
Word family
Common mistakes
a alternate→an alternate / an alternative
alternate medicine (when meaning 'thay thế')→alternative medicine
Say it for a higher band
5other→6option→7+alternative
Synonyms
option
Easily confused
alternate
“The pump runs on alternate days to save electricity.”
Related words
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In Sublist 4
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