or

Meanings

1. 1conjunction

   Used to connect different possibilities or choices.

   Grammar: Joins words, phrases, or clauses that are alternatives: tea or coffee.

   Patterns

   • A or B
   • either A or B

   Would you like tea or coffee?

   We can go by bus or by train.

   You can pay now or later.

2. 2conjunction

   Used to say what will happen if the first thing does not happen or is not true.

   Grammar: Often follows an imperative: Hurry up, or we'll be late.

   Patterns

   • imperative + or + result

   Hurry up, or we'll miss the train.

   Be careful, or you'll hurt yourself.

   Give me the key, or I'll have to break the door.

3. 3conjunction

   Used to introduce a word or phrase that explains or means the same as what came before.

   Grammar: Introduces a synonym or more precise term: geology, or the study of rocks.

   Patterns

   • noun, or + explanation

   Geology, or the study of rocks, is fascinating.

   This is a carafe, or a glass bottle for serving wine.

   She is a sommelier, or wine expert.

Common combinations

either ... or

You can either stay here or come with us.

or else

Do your homework, or else you can't go out.

more or less

The project is more or less finished.

sooner or later

Sooner or later, you'll have to decide.

whether ... or

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Synonyms and how they differ

otherwise

Used to introduce a consequence if something is not done; more formal than 'or' in this sense.

Opposites

Commonly confused: or or oar? or or ore?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “or”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words