SpeakUp

Grammar fix

a viable alternative

a workable or practical option

an option or solution that is realistic, practical, and likely to succeed, especially when compared to other possibilities that may not be as effective or achievable.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • For people who can't drive, cycling is a viable alternative to commuting by car.work
  • In my opinion, investing in renewable energy is a viable alternative to relying on fossil fuels, as it is both sustainable and increasingly affordable.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a viable alternative to [noun/gerund]

Wronga viable alternative of the current system.

Righta viable alternative to the current system.

'An alternative TO something', not 'of'.

Patterna viable alternative to [noun/gerund]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We require a feasible and practicable substitute course of action.

Natural We need a viable alternative.

'Feasible and practicable substitute course of action' is bloated; 'a viable alternative' is enough.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a viable alternative to
    tooffernoprovide

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'an alternative' (any other option), 'a viable alternative' stresses that the option is realistic and can actually be implemented successfully.

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