alternating with vs alternate with

Both "alternating with" and "alternate with" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Alternating with" is used when things switch back and forth in a regular pattern, while "alternate with" is used when things take turns or occur in succession.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1057 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"alternating with "

This phrase is used to describe a pattern where things switch back and forth in a regular sequence.

Examples:

The team members took turns alternating with each other in presenting their ideas.
The colors on the flag were red and white, alternating with each other.
The chef prepared a variety of dishes, alternating with desserts.

Show examples from the web [+]

The next 24-hour rotation will be split among us, alternating with the Sparrow case.
An electronic computer is an instrument which is used to create music, not composed of notes but of codes and commands, alternating with rhythm and a composed sequence, made by the developer, giving rise to different actions and results.
I'm on an elver-based diet, alternating with seafood.
Boundless energy, euphoria alternating with exhaustion.
Other glaciations followed, alternating with warming.
The semi-continental climate of the production area is marked by high temperatures in summer and sunny days alternating with cool nights in late autumn.
People with bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) have extreme mood swings, with periods of mania (excitement or euphoria) alternating with periods of depression (deep sadness or despair).
A small capsule is designed with a series of films, alternating with spaces and dividers.
Too many have short-term contracts, often alternating with unemployment, and many young people - even those who are well qualified - have little chance of getting more stable contracts.
This will oblige even the qualified to flit between insecure jobs, alternating them with the inevitable unemployment.
It only transfers alternating currents with a ratio of 1:1 (see also the Harmonised System Explanatory Notes to heading 8504).
I'm alternating guards with another, other week.
But you'll have a better shot alternating full throttle with dynamic braking.
For warning devices supplied with alternating current, this requirement shall apply only at constant generator speed, within the range specified in paragraph 6.2.3.2.
Normally, Mandy works Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and her graveyard shifts are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, with alternating Mondays off.
For investigation of potential carry-over, at least five runs with alternating high-positive and negative specimens shall be performed during robustness studies.
And remember, alternating an ice pack with a... a heating pas is very helpful for spasming.
With an alternating test force the resulting load is equal to zero.
A dynamic test with an alternating horizontal force of Fhw = ±0,6 D shall be applied to the coupling pin in the operating position.
The dynamic test shall be performed with approximately sinusoidal load (alternating and/or pulsating) with a number of stress cycles appropriate to the material.

Alternatives:

switching with
changing with
rotating with
interchanging with
shifting with

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"alternate with "

This phrase is used to describe a pattern where things take turns or occur in succession, rather than switching back and forth in a regular sequence.

Examples:

The main course alternated with the dessert during the dinner service.
The seasons in this region alternate with dry and rainy periods.
The singer alternated with the guitarist in performing solos.

Show examples from the web [+]

Threats should always alternate with humanity.
Back in 1927, English theatrical producer and actor Hamilton Deane decided to try out another subject for his company, to alternate with his version of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, on his tour of the English provinces.
Floods alternate with dry months, and this calls for a new water management strategy.
All year round, parched dry days alternate with days of torrential rain.
You want to alternate with your foot.
Picture deadline is Thursday and finals study groups alternate with all of the above.
The hilly topography of Cévennes consists of ridges, the 'serres', that alternate with deep and narrow valleys that are oriented towards the northwest/southeast, the 'valats'.
- Given the considerable coordination which would be required at various levels for both the Euro Area Review and the EU 25 Review, the EU 25 Review should alternate with the Euro Area Review, i.e. each review would take place biennially.

Alternatives:

take turns with
succeed with
follow with
alternate between
rotate with

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alternating with vs alternate with