alternative vs substitute

Both 'alternative' and 'substitute' are correct words, but they are used in different contexts. 'Alternative' refers to something that can be used or chosen instead of something else, while 'substitute' specifically refers to a person or thing that takes the place of another. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1167 views

The word 'alternative' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that can be used or chosen instead of something else.

"alternative"

You can use 'alternative' when you want to suggest another option or choice that can be used in place of the original one.

Examples:

What are the alternative solutions to this problem?
There are many alternative ways to get to the airport.
Do you have any alternative suggestions for our vacation plans?

Show examples from the web [+]

The alternative is facing federal charges for human trafficking.
The alternative is you wait 10 years.
That he was pushing alternative energy.
The alternative apothecary has this lending library.
He cannot be given an honourable alternative.
52 down, Midway alternative, five letters.
Now mathematicians thought that was the only alternative.
The alternative is war with India.
The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction.
By 1800, an even cheaper alternative was discovered.
An alternative explanation for the aforementioned differences involves genetic factors.
An alternative version tells that she devoured herself.
An alternative is to use PHP...
The AD105C offers RS-485 2-wire communication as an alternative.
The US release has an alternative cover.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non-invasive alternative to ERCP.
WHOLEGARMENT knitting is not only a novel alternative to existing production methods.
Listing 8-30 shows the alternative syntax for indexes.
Patronage was Papandreou's "alternative" to social transformation.
Throughout India people want a strong and an alternative opposition .

Alternatives:

option
choice
substitute
replacement
different

The word 'substitute' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a person or thing that takes the place of another.

"substitute"

You can use 'substitute' when referring to a replacement for something or someone, especially in the context of a person filling in for another.

Examples:

She used almond milk as a substitute for regular milk in the recipe.
The substitute teacher will be taking over the class today.
I need to find a substitute for my broken phone charger.

Show examples from the web [+]

Something about a sugar substitute that causes cancer.
Or I'm the poor substitute.
Will's dating the hot substitute, Holly Holliday.
So, unfortunately, you're stuck with me as a substitute.
Similar steps should be taken regarding substitute fibres.
Therefore, I am granting the defense's motion to substitute.
So, unfortunately, you're stuck with me as a substitute.
Well, she's just a substitute.
You've driven me out of this plum substitute teaching job.
There's Frank Stinson, substitute math teacher who loves Sudoku.
You seem to be liking that butter substitute at Swappigans.
Or I'm the poor substitute.
I'm not a substitute teacher, Nance.
Turns out it was a substitute.
Dewey, a substitute teacher is not a temp.
This substitute is not bad, she can teach mathematics, too.
I'm a substitute from ShuiQuan Primary School.
I'm actually just here on official substitute drama teacher business.
He substitute teaches at the school where I teach.
But we got an adequate substitute:

Alternatives:

replacement
stand-in
alternative
fill-in
surrogate

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alternative vs substitute

"alternative"

"substitute"

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