Using “Or” and “Or Else” | (A-Level, Basic) Page 3
“Or” — Showing Choices or Alternatives
You can use the coordinating conjunction “or” to combine two sentences or ideas that show choices or alternatives. For example, examine the following ideas:
We can have yesterday’s soup again.
I can make a salad.
You can combine these ideas into one sentence using “or.”
We can have yesterday’s soup again, or I can make a salad.
Would you like soup or salad?
Examples using “or” showing choices or alternatives
What would you like do to this weekend? We can go to the lake, or we can just stay home and watch movies.
We can eat now, or we can wait until Mary arrives.
While you wait, you can read a book or watch TV.
“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 that 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.”
He may be late, or else he’s just not coming.
John may be late, or he’s just not coming.
John 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 school. Perhaps he’s not studying enough, or else he needs some extra help.
— Hurry up, or else we’ll be late for the flight.
“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 need to leave now, or I’ll be late for work.
I need to 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! Using “or else” can express anger or irritation. In some situations, “or else” may be impolite or too direct.
You can also use “or else” to communicate that, if someone does not do what you want, there will be bad consequences. In general people don’t like that. For example, a mother may say to her child,
Finish your homework, or else you can’t watch TV tonight.
That may be okay to say to a child, but an adult may not like it very much.
Do not forget the video.
The video for this lesson will help you understand what you are learning here. (Video opens in a new tab.)
Up Next: Using “But,” Yet,” “And Yet,” and “For”
Continue the lesson to learn how to use “but,” “yet,” “and yet,” and “for.”