Large sections of MG Road are blocked due to the construction of the Metro Rail. So, the traffic police has put up signs in the vicinity of MG Road, asking commuters to “Take Alternate Roads.” (Watch this space for a photo.) For the past eight months or so, I’ve resisted the temptation to pull out a permanent marker and make corrections. I’ve had a fairly clear record with the traffic police thus far, and I’d like to keep it that way. But, once and for all, here’s news for the Bangalore Traffic Police:
Alternate means ‘every other’. For example, I take tai-chi classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Ergo, I take tai-chi classes on alternate days.
Alternative means ‘option’ or ‘choice’. For example, the tai-chi classes are only held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and so even if I wanted to take them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I couldn’t. In other words, I have no alternative but to take tai-chi classes on Mon, Wed and Fri!
Another example:
I go in to the office on alternate days. But when MG Road is closed due to construction, I take an alternative route.
I’ve recently read that in the US, alternate is a legitimate substitute for alternative in some cases. Now, why am I not surprised?
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