Conjunctions “And,” “But,” “So,” and “Or” | (A-Level, Basic) Page 4
1. ”Or” — Showing Choices or Alternatives
We use the coordinating conjunction “or" to combine two sentences or ideas that show choices or alternatives. For example, examine the following ideas:
You can read a book.
You can finish your homework.
You can combine these ideas into one sentence using “or.”
You can read a book, or you can finish your homework.
Examples using “or” showing choices or alternatives
What would you like to do? We can go to the movies, or we can stay home.
We can eat now, or we can wait until Mary arrives.
While you wait, you can read a book, or you can watch TV.
2. ”Or” or “Or Else” — Showing a Different Possibility
We use the coordinating conjunction “or" or “or else” to combine two sentences or ideas and show different ideas are possible.
For example, examine the following ideas:
John may be late.
Maybe he’s just not coming.
You can combine these ideas in the same sentence using “or” or “or else.”
Joh may be late, or he’s just not coming.
Joh may be late, or else he’s just not coming.
Examples using “or else” showing possibilities
— Why is the baby crying?
— She may be tired, or else it’s time for her to eat.
John is not doing well in the course. Perhaps he doesn’t study very hard, or else he just needs some help.
— Why can’t doesn’t John speak English?
— English may be too difficult for him, or else he’s just not interested in learning it.
3. ”Or” or “Or Else” — Showing a Negative Consequence
We use the coordinating conjunction “or" or “or else” to combine two sentences or ideas and show a negative consequence of a choice. The consequence is usually in the future.
For example, examine the following ideas:
I need to leave now.
I’ll be late for work.
You can combine these ideas in the same sentence using “or” or “or else.”
I should leave now, or I’ll be late for work.
I should leave now, or else I’ll be late for work.
Examples using “or” or “or else" for a negative consequence
Or
You must study harder, or you won’t pass the course.
Have something to eat, or you’ll be hungry during the trip.
Don’t speak too fast, or I can’t understand you.
Or Else
You must study harder, or else you won’t pass the course.
Have something to eat, or else you’ll be hungry during the trip.
Don’t speak too fast, or else I can’t understand you.
Attention!
Be careful! When you say “or else,” people may think you are angry. In some situations, “or else" may be impolite or too direct.
Up Next: Using Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Continue the lesson to learn how to use punctuation with coordinating conjunctions.