Today let's learn a new word, alternate!

[Transcript:

Hi and welcome to Let’s Word Up! Each day we post a word of the day to help you improve your English language skills.

Today’s word of the day is alternate.

Alternate is a doing word therefore it is a verb.

Alternate has three meanings. Firstly it is to repeatedly occur in turn, Secondly it is to repeatedly do or perform in turn. Thirdly it is to change repeatedly between two contrasting conditions.

An example of alternate used as a verb in a sentence would be:

He's suffering with bouts of depression that alternate with brief moments of happiness.

I want to try to alternate running with weightlifting so that I don't neglect any parts of my health.

Or, It is expected that the group will discuss the topic deeply and may alternate between a positive and negative verdict for several days.

Alternate can also be used as an adjective with three meanings. Firstly it describes something as occurring every other specified unit. Secondly it describes two things as following and succeeding each other in a regular pattern. Lastly, in botany, it describes leaves or shoots as being placed alternately on  two sides of the stem.

An example of alternate used as an adjective in a sentence would be:

I go to the market on alternate days to restock on vegetables and fruit.

He was wearing a lovely shirt with alternate stripes of black and blue.

Or, The alternate leaves on the rose stem created a nice pattern.

Alternate can also be used as a name, meaning someone who acts as a deputy or substitute.

An example of alternate used as a noun in a sentence would be:

They called in an alternate to take over the class while the teacher recovered.

Synonyms: rotate, see-saw, yo-yo, other, delegate.

Thank you for listening, we hope that you found it helpful and interesting. Until next time.]

Alternate

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