September 10, 2014 　=========
☆ alternative　　代替案
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Today, let’s learn some alternative words for alternative! But, beware!! Did you notice that when I said “alternative words” I used the word as an adjective? Yes, today’s word can be either an adjective or a noun, and since it is the same word only the context will help you decide which it is.
Here are some example sentences – I’m going to use the word alternative as a noun AND as an adjective, and you have to guess which is which. OK?
1. It sounds risky, but the alternative is worse!
2. He had no alternative but to quit.
3. Alternative medicine is becoming more popular.
4. A cheaper alternative is to buy it online.
5. The only alternative was to walk home.
So, how did you go? Which sentences use “alternative” as a nouns and which use it as an adjectives?
That’s right – sentence 1, 2 and 5 use it as a noun. Sentences 3 and 4 use it as an adjective. Did you notice anything else that might help you decide if it’s a noun or adjective? The times when you use it as a noun, often the sentence is implying a negative situation, and using words like “but” or “only”.
Bye,
Chris