Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the sentence in which the word given below has not been used correctly.

ALTERNATE

  1. My husband and I alternate in washing up at night.

  2. Every alternate fence post was painted red, giving a striped effect.

  3. There is no alternative to travelling by that route.

  4. The wind had dropped now and the cloud was breaking up, we walked to the quay in alternative light and shade.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

“Alternate” in (1) and (5) is the correct usage as it means to do or occur by turns. In (2), it means every second one, thereby depicting its correct usage. “Alternative” in (3) and (4) means the freedom of choice, especially between two things or possibilities. “Alternative” in (4) would be incorrect. The correct usage would be “alternate”, which gives sense to the sentence. Hence, the answer is (4).

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