Q: I often encounter the word "alternate" used in place of the word "alternative." In traffic reports, for instance, an alternative to the route having the traffic problem is often described as an "alternate route." Is "alternate" a legitimate alternate for "alternative"? — Bill Danser, Columbus, N.J.

A: Someone from New Jersey is seeking advice about words related to heavy traffic? That's like a Minnesotan asking for advice on terms for cold weather. As a driver who frequently crawls down the New Jersey Turnpike, I know that what travels in Jersey stays in Jersey — often for several hours.

Traditionalists do insist on a distinction between the adjectives "alternative" and "alternate." "Alternative," they say, means "providing a choice between two or more things," as in "several alternative solutions," while "alternate" means "every other one," as in, "the class meets on alternate days."

By this definition, an alternate route would be available, say, at every other exit or on every other day. So "alternative" and "alternate" would not be, to use a turnpike term, "interchange"-able.

But purists forget that another definition of "alternate" lies very close to the meaning of "alternative" — substitute, as in, an "alternate delegate." So when speaking of another route a driver could take, it makes as much sense to say "alternate route"

(substitute route), as it does to say "alternative route" (optional route).

Q: I ran across this phrase in the newspaper: "including the influential the Rev. Jim Holley." Is it correct to use "the" both before and after "influential"? — Randy Hermatz, Detroit

A: The courtesy title "Rev.," unlike "Mr." or "Ms.," stands, not for a noun, but for an adjective ("reverend"). So "Rev." must be preceded by "the." Just as we would write, "including the respected Jim Holley," we should write, "including the Rev. Jim Holley."

But when the writer of this phrase placed another adjective ("influential") before "Rev.," he or she forgot two things: 1. only the first adjective should be preceded by "the"; and 2. the adjectives must be connected by "and." So, just as we would write, "the influential and respected Jim Holley," we should write, "the influential and Rev. Jim Holley."

But, because most people would find that construction odd, I'd simply rephrase the sentence to read, "including the Rev. Jim Holley, an influential spiritual leader." Amen.

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Conn., invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to Wordguy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.