Resources
Alternate/Alternative
Alternating Current?
By Evan Jenkins
The article said a utility "plans to freeze its electric rates for five years, and by 2003 will allow all its customers to buy power from alternate sources." The writer almost certainly wanted "alternative," meaning providing a choice among options. "Alternate" means by turns, or every other, as in "alternate Sundays." (Custom has also allowed “alternate” referring to choice or substitution in such expressions as “alternate juror” or “Alternate Route 22.” Irritating, but there it is.)
CJR
