or
conjunction
UK/ɔː/US/ɔːr/
used to link alternatives, choices, or possibilities
Example Sentences
Would you like tea or coffee with your breakfast?
You can either go to the park or stay home and watch a movie.
We must decide whether to drive or take the train to the conference.
Hurry up, or we might miss the opening ceremony.
She couldn’t tell if it was a trick or if he was genuinely confused.
You have two choices in this elective course: learn a new language or study advanced mathematics, both of which offer unique skill sets and career advantages.
He often wonders if he should stick with his current job or explore opportunities in a completely different field, reflecting his uncertainty about long-term goals and personal satisfaction.
Please let me know if you’d prefer to meet online or schedule an in-person discussion at the office next week.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A conjunction used to link alternatives or choices.The word 'or' is a coordinating conjunction used to present alternatives, choices, or options within a sentence. It connects words, phrases, or clauses that offer different possibilities. For example, 'Would you like tea or coffee?' Here, 'or' links two beverage options. 'Or' can also introduce a consequence, as in 'You must study hard, or you will fail the exam.' Additionally, 'or' is used in questions to present mutually exclusive options, such as 'Is it going to rain today or tomorrow?' It's important to use 'or' to clearly indicate the available alternatives to avoid ambiguity. In some cases, 'or' can imply a sense of exclusivity, meaning that only one of the options can be true or selected. Proper use of 'or' helps in constructing clear and concise sentences that effectively communicate choices or conditions.
Alternatives
Alternative words or phrases for 'or' include 'either', 'alternatively', 'otherwise', 'in the alternative', 'on the other hand', and 'else'. Depending on the context, 'either' can be used to present a choice between two options, as in 'You can either come with us or stay at home.' 'Alternatively' offers another option, such as 'We could go hiking, alternatively, we could visit the museum.' 'Otherwise' introduces a different possibility, like 'You need to leave now, otherwise you'll miss the bus.' 'On the other hand' presents a contrasting option, for example, 'He is very strict, on the other hand, he is fair.' These alternatives can be used to vary sentence structure and enhance the clarity of options or contrasts being presented.
Writing
When writing, 'or' is essential for presenting alternatives, choices, and conditional statements. Use 'or' to clearly define different options available to the reader or to outline potential outcomes. For example, 'You can choose to accept the offer or decline it.' Ensure that the alternatives connected by 'or' are parallel in structure to maintain clarity and coherence. Avoid overusing 'or' in a single sentence to prevent confusion. Additionally, consider the exclusivity or inclusivity of the options; sometimes 'or' implies that only one option can be chosen, so clarify if multiple selections are possible. Varying the use of 'or' with its alternatives like 'alternatively' or 'otherwise' can enhance the flow of your writing and prevent repetition. Proper use of 'or' can also aid in creating effective rhetorical questions and persuasive arguments by presenting compelling choices to the audience.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversations, 'or' is frequently used to present choices or alternatives. For example, you might say, 'Do you want pizza or burgers for dinner?' or 'Are we meeting at 5 or 6 o'clock?' It helps in offering options and making decisions easier. 'Or' can also introduce consequences in casual talk, like 'You should take an umbrella, or you'll get wet.' Additionally, 'or' is used to clarify or specify, such as 'I can pick you up at 3 or 4 PM.' Using 'or' effectively in conversation ensures clear communication of options and preferences, making interactions smoother and more understandable.
Etymology
The word 'or' has its origins in Old English 'ǫr', derived from Proto-Germanic '*er', which is related to the Old Norse 'eða' and Gothic 'aiþra'. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European conjunction '*ey', meaning 'or'. Historically, 'or' has been used to present alternatives and choices in English for centuries, serving as a fundamental coordinating conjunction. Over time, 'or' has maintained its role in connecting words, phrases, and clauses to offer different possibilities or options. An interesting fact is that 'or' is one of the simplest yet most versatile words in the English language, appearing in countless expressions and idioms, such as 'either...or...', 'or else', and 'whether...or...'. Its enduring usage highlights its importance in facilitating clear and effective communication by allowing speakers and writers to present multiple pathways or outcomes.