alternately

Everyday

Alternately means first one thing, then the other, again and again, taking turns. tree →

In the lessons

Used in maths patterns (red and blue beads placed alternately), instructions in cooking and crafts, PE and stories («she was alternately laughing and crying»).

Examples

• Thread red and blue beads alternately. tree →
• The light flashed red and green alternately. tree →
• We took turns alternately to read a page. tree →
• She was alternately happy and sad all day. tree →
• Plant the tulips and daffodils alternately. tree →
• Hop alternately on your left and right foot. tree →
• Superstition made her alternately shudder with cold or burn with the heat of fever. tree →

Note

Confusing pair: «alternately» means taking turns (A, B, A, B); «alternatively» means «as another choice» («We could walk; alternatively, we could take the bus»). In maths: in a pattern placed alternately, items 1, 3, 5... are one kind and items 2, 4, 6... are the other; with 10 beads, 5 of each.