What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
substitute
Example
The teacher found a substitute to cover her class while she was away. [substitute: noun]
Example
I substituted almond milk for regular milk in the recipe. [substituted: past tense verb]
alternate
Example
We take alternate routes to avoid traffic. [alternate: adjective]
Example
You can alternate between swimming and running for your workout. [alternate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Substitute is more commonly used than alternate in everyday language, especially in the context of food or sports. Alternate is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as science or engineering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between substitute and alternate?
Alternate is generally considered more formal than substitute, but both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
