or
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɔː/
US
- /ˈɔr/
- /ɜr/
Description
- choice
- another option
- this or that
- either...or
"Or" presents a choice between options. "Do you want coffee or tea?" It is like saying "this one or that one." You use it when something can go one way or another, often with the idea that one choice will happen, not both.
It also appears in warnings and results: "Hurry up, or you'll miss the bus." Here, it links one action to what may happen next. It is a small connector, but it often marks a clear split in the road.
"Or" is a conjunction, a word that connects ideas. Its main job is to present an alternative. It shows that there are two or more options, possibilities, or outcomes. For example: "Is she coming to the party or staying home?" The sentence sets up two different paths.
It is a basic part of everyday English. You hear it in simple choices like "Pizza or pasta for dinner?" and in more formal statements like "You must complete the assignment or face detention." In many cases, it points to one choice instead of another, though in some contexts it can simply list possible options without strongly stressing that only one is allowed.
"Or" can also introduce a warning or result. "Study hard, or you will fail." In that kind of sentence, the second part tells you what may happen if the first part does not happen.
Sometimes, "or" adds another possibility that comes to mind as the speaker talks: "We could visit Paris, Rome, or perhaps even Barcelona." In short, it is a small but important word for showing choices, possibilities, and consequences. It helps English move from one path to another with clarity.
Examples
- 1
Simple choice
Would you like tea or coffee?
- 2
Scheduling options
We can meet on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday.
- 3
Alternative actions
Call me or send a message when you get there.
- 4
Location choice
Is your apartment on the second floor or the third floor?
- 5
Either-or choice
You can either stay here or come with us.
Pattern
either ... or ...
used to present two choices clearly
- 6
Negative list
I don't eat meat or fish.
Grammar
In negative sentences, or often means "and not" for the second item too.
- 7
Consequence warning
Wear a coat, or you'll get cold.
Pattern
do something, or ...
if you do not do it, something bad may happen
- 8
Strong warning
Apologize to her, or else she may not speak to you again.
Phrase
or else
used to warn about what will happen if someone does not do something
- 9
Approximate time
The meeting lasted an hour or so.
Phrase
or so
about; approximately
- 10
Vague suggestion
We could watch a movie or something.
Phrase
or something
used when you are not sure, or when the exact idea is not important
- 11
Regardless
I'll finish the report today, whether or not I get help.
Phrase
whether or not
it does not matter if something happens
- 12
Correction
I need to leave now, or rather, I should have left ten minutes ago.
Phrase
or rather
used to correct or make what you just said more exact
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ornounconjunction