Inklingo

How to Say "to alternate" in Spanish

The Spanish word forto alternateis alternarB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
verbB1
to switch between two things
A row of apples where the colors switch between red and green.

Examples

Debes alternar el estudio con periodos de descanso.

You should alternate studying with rest periods.

Los dos hermanos alternan el cuidado de su abuelo.

The two brothers take turns taking care of their grandfather.

En el jardín, alternamos flores rojas y blancas.

In the garden, we alternated red and white flowers.

Using 'Alternar' with Objects

When you alternate two things, you can list them directly: 'Alterna el trabajo y el juego'.

Confusion with 'Turnarse'

Mistake:Yo alterno con mi hermano para conducir.

Correction: Me turno con mi hermano para conducir. Use 'alternar' for the actions themselves, but 'turnarse' (reflexive) when talking about people taking turns.

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