diff --git a/aliases/available/general.aliases.bash b/aliases/available/general.aliases.bash
index 42930ab4..b4934489 100644
--- a/aliases/available/general.aliases.bash
+++ b/aliases/available/general.aliases.bash
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ fi
 alias c='clear'
 alias cls='clear'
 
-alias edit='${EDITOR:-${ALTERNATE_EDITOR?}}'
+alias edit='${EDITOR:-${ALTERNATE_EDITOR:-nano}}'
 alias pager='${PAGER:=less}'
 
 alias q='exit'