alternate-v; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: (Cause to) oscillate between two states, directions, or attitudes.

Commentary:
NOTE: Compare to Sense 3; in Sense 1 the thing alternating is singular.
NOTE: This sense must imply MOTION.

Examples:
I can't get the current to alternate.
I alternate between loving Helga and wishing her dead.
The army alternated back and forth across the river.

Mappings:
VerbNet: amalgamate-22.2-2-1
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4

Sense Number 2: (Cause to) alternate in function or role.

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[agent] ALTERNATE NP2[patient] for NP3[patient] NP1[actor] ALTERNATE for NP2[actor] NP1[agent] ALTERNATE NP2[patient[plural]]

Examples:
Harry alternated Sally for Diana at the diner.
He alternated for Louise at last night's show.
The business alternated the security guards on different days of the week.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3

Sense Number 3: Two entities exchange positions in turn or by set intervals.

Commentary:
NOTE: Compare to Sense 1; in Sense 3 the thing alternating is plural.

Examples:
We alternate on the night shift.
The skaters alternated down the ice.
Candles and flowers alternated along the table.

Mappings:
VerbNet: correlate-86.1,amalgamate-22.2-2-1
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: alternate.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5