diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/extras/system/alternatives.py b/lib/ansible/modules/extras/system/alternatives.py
index 90e2237f86..e81a3e8306 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/extras/system/alternatives.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/extras/system/alternatives.py
@@ -67,8 +67,8 @@ def main():
     module = AnsibleModule(
         argument_spec = dict(
             name = dict(required=True),
-            path = dict(required=True),
-            link = dict(required=False),
+            path = dict(required=True, type='path'),
+            link = dict(required=False, type='path'),
         ),
         supports_check_mode=True,
     )