1. available as another possibility or choice
可作為另一種可能性或選擇的
We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed.
我們需要找一條替代路線，因為主幹道封閉了。
She is considering alternative career paths.
她正在考慮其他的職業道路。
Alternative Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
alternative
adjective
快速理解
What does "Alternative" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Alternative"?
形容可用來替代現有選項的事物，或指不同於主流、傳統的選擇。
- 1
可替代的
EN: available as another possibility or choice.
翻譯: 可作為另一種可能性或選擇的。
- 2
非傳統的
EN: different from the usual or conventional.
翻譯: 與通常或傳統方式不同的。
- 3
二選一的
EN: of two things, mutually exclusive.
翻譯: 指兩件事物中，只能選擇其一的。
小提醒：「alternative」本身已包含「另一種選擇」的意思，因此說「another alternative」是冗贅的，直接說「an alternative」即可。
發音（How to Pronounce "Alternative" in English）
How to pronounce "Alternative" in English?"Alternative" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Alternative" from YouTube Videos
Boghuma Kabisen Titanji: Ethical riddles in HIV research
TED
“Should the control group in the clinical trial be given the best current treatment which is available anywhere in the world, Or should they be given an alternative standard of care, such as the best current treatment available in the country in which the research is being conducted?”
(1 out of 54)
Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Alternative"?How does "Alternative" change by context?
2. relating to activities that are different from the usual or traditional ways
與不同於通常或傳統方式的活動相關的
He practices alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal therapy.
他從事替代醫學，例如針灸和草藥療法。
The magazine focuses on alternative lifestyles and culture.
這本雜誌專注於另類生活方式和文化。
3. used to describe something that can be used instead of something else, often to avoid a problem
用於描述可用來替代其他事物的東西，通常為了避免問題
The company is seeking alternative energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint.
該公司正在尋求替代能源以減少其碳足跡。
We must develop alternative materials to replace single-use plastics.
我們必須開發替代材料來取代一次性塑膠製品。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Alternative"?How to make natural sentences with "Alternative"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| alternative + noun | 替代的、可供選擇的… | We need to find an alternative solution. (我們需要找到一個替代方案。) |
| an alternative to + noun/gerund | …的替代品/替代方案 | Cycling is a healthy alternative to driving. (騎自行車是開車的一種健康替代方式。) |
| have no alternative but to + V | 除了…之外別無選擇 | I had no alternative but to accept the offer. (我除了接受提議之外別無選擇。) |
| the only alternative | 唯一的選擇 | If the train is cancelled, the only alternative is to take a bus. (如果火車取消，唯一的選擇就是搭公車。) |
| look for/consider + alternative(s) | 尋找/考慮替代方案 | We are looking for a cheaper alternative. (我們正在尋找更便宜的替代品。) |
| offer/provide + an alternative | 提供一個替代方案 | The company provided an alternative date for the meeting. (公司為會議提供了另一個日期。) |
用法說明
How is "Alternative" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Alternative"?
alternative to doing vs alternative to do
- "alternative to doing something" 是標準且常見的用法，其中 "to" 是介系詞，後面接動名詞 (V-ing)，表示「替代某個特定行為或狀況的方法」。
- "alternative to do something" 在正式文法中被視為不標準，但在非正式口語中偶爾出現。它可能被理解為「去做某事的替代方案」，但容易造成混淆。
- 在書面語或正式場合，應優先使用 "alternative to doing" 的結構以確保清晰正確。 EN: Cycling is a healthy alternative to driving to work. 翻譯: 騎腳踏車是開車上班的一個健康替代方案。
EN:We need to find an alternative to using plastic bags.
翻譯:我們需要找到使用塑膠袋的替代方法。
總結建議
在表達「替代方案」時，建議統一使用 "alternative to + V-ing" 的結構，避免使用 "alternative to + 動詞原形"。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Alternative" and similar words?How to choose "Alternative" vs alternatives?
alternative vs optional
"alternative" 強調提供另一種選擇來取代原有方案，而 "optional" 僅表示可選擇而非強制。
alternative vs substitute
"alternative" 通常指一個同等有效或可接受的選項，而 "substitute" 常作為臨時或次佳的替代品。
alternative vs different
"alternative" 特指作為一個選項提出的替代方案，而 "different" 僅描述事物之間存在差異。
口語用法
How is "Alternative" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Alternative"?
引述
在口語中，當引述或轉述他人的提議時，常用 "alternative" 來開啟話題。 EN: So, his alternative was to just cancel the whole trip. 翻譯: 所以，他提出的替代方案是乾脆取消整趟旅行。
EN:The alternative they're suggesting is working remotely twice a week.
翻譯:他們建議的替代方案是每週遠距工作兩天。
語氣強調
在對話中，常用 "the only alternative" 或 "a better alternative" 來強調選擇的有限性或優越性，帶有較強的主觀語氣。 EN: If the train is full, the only alternative is to take a bus. 翻譯: 如果火車滿了，唯一的替代選擇就是搭公車。
EN:Trust me, this is a much better alternative to eating fast food every day.
翻譯:相信我，這比每天吃速食要好得多。
停頓填充
在思考或組織語言時，有時會用 "or an alternative"、"some alternative" 作為短暫的停頓填充詞，讓對話聽起來不那麼絕對。 EN: We could meet at the cafe... or an alternative, maybe the library? 翻譯: 我們可以在咖啡廳見面…或者換個地方，也許圖書館？
EN:We need a solution, some alternative that everyone can agree on.
翻譯:我們需要一個解決方案，某個大家都能同意的替代辦法。
注意：在正式書寫或學術文章中，應避免將 "alternative" 用於上述口語的停頓填充功能，並應更精確地定義所提及的替代方案，而非僅用 "some alternative" 等模糊表述。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Alternative"?What fixed phrases with "Alternative" should I remember?
alternative approach
alternative + noun
替代方法
alternative energy
alternative + noun
替代能源
alternative medicine
alternative + noun
替代醫學；另類療法
alternative route
alternative + noun
替代路線
viable alternative
adjective + alternative
可行的替代方案
seek an alternative
verb + an alternative
尋求替代方案
offer an alternative
verb + an alternative
提供替代方案
no alternative but to
no alternative but to + verb
別無選擇只能...
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Alternative"?Which "Alternative" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×We need to find an alternative way for solve this problem.
✓We need to find an alternative way to solve this problem.
「alternative」後面的動詞應使用不定詞（to + V），而非介系詞「for」加上動名詞。這是形容詞「alternative」修飾名詞「way」時，後續動詞結構的常見錯誤。
×We have no alternatives choice.
✓We have no alternative choice. / We have no other choice.
「alternative」本身作為形容詞時，意為「可供選擇的；其他的」，本身已包含「選擇」的概念，後面直接接名詞即可，不需再加「alternatives」（名詞複數形式）。此錯誤是混淆了其形容詞與名詞的用法。
×This is the only alternative.
✓This is an alternative. / There is no alternative.
「alternative」的核心理念是提供「另一個」或「多個」選擇。若只有一個選項，則不存在「替代」關係。說「the only alternative」在邏輯上矛盾。正確用法是強調其為多個選項之一，或使用「there is no alternative」表示別無選擇。
×He offered me an alternative option.
✓He offered me an alternative. / He offered me another option.
「alternative」和「option」語意重複，因為「alternative」本身已意指「另一個選項」。這種重複在英文中被視為冗詞（redundancy）。應擇一使用即可。
×This medicine is a good alternative than the old one.
✓This medicine is a good alternative to the old one.
表達「A 是 B 的替代品」時，固定使用介系詞「to」，而非「than」。「Than」用於比較級，但「alternative」強調的是替代關係，而非程度比較。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Alternative"?What are tense/participle forms of "Alternative"?