Both words are commonly used to describe a choice among options, as in an alternate schedule or an alternative approach. But some usage experts recommend observing the following distinction: choose alternate to mean taking turns or one thing succeeding another by turns, and choose alternative to mean offering a choice or an option.

Both words date to the middle of the 16th century, and both describe a choice apart from what is first offered: an alternate viewpoint; an alternative suggestion. Usage commentators have often emphasized that 'alternate' should be used to mean "occurring or succeeding by turns" and 'alternative' to mean "offering or expressing a choice."