What is the difference between alternate and alternative?

The words are also adjectives. As an adjective, alternate means (1) happening in turns, or (2) serving in place of anothe r. Alternative means (1) providing a choice between two or more things, or (2) existing outside the mainstream. Of course, alternate also works as a verb meaning to take turns . Alternative has no verb sense.

What is alternative energy?

Like alternate, alternative has its instances where it, rather than alternate, is overwhelmingly preferred. Specifically, it often connotes the kind of option that might be considered apart from mainstream traditions: a homeowner may seek an alternative energy source, such as solar power, rather than a more standard option like oil or natural gas.

What is an example of an alternate?

An alternate is something or someone that serves in place of another. An alternative is a second option that does not replace the first. For example, when a road undergoing maintenance is closed to traffic, you have to take an alternate route.