or
gb/ˈɔɹ/ us/ˈɔɹ/
A1
English
~ 100
vagy, különben
A1
1
vagy
A1
Usage pattern:
[choice A] or [choice B]
Would you like tea or coffee?
Kérsz teát vagy kávét?
We can walk to the park or take the bus.
Elmehetünk gyalog a parkba, vagy mehetünk busszal.
Is your birthday in May or June?
You can pay by card or cash.
Should I call you tonight or tomorrow?
Learner examples
Do you want an apple or an orange?
Almát vagy narancsot szeretnél?
Is it hot or cold today?
Ma meleg van, vagy hideg?
We can go now or later.
Do you like cats or dogs?
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'or' with 'and', especially when listing items.
Meaning
Used to link alternatives
Collocations
yes or no
|black or white
|right or wrong
|win or lose
Synonyms
otherwise (Used in some contexts to mean 'if not', but not a direct replacement in all cases)
Antonyms
and (Links items together rather than offering a choice between them)
Themes
grammar
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to show a choice between two or more things.
Used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that present different options or choices.
A2
2
különben
A2
Usage pattern:
[do something], or [result]
Be quiet, or you'll wake the baby.
Légy csendben, különben felébreszted a babát.
We must leave now, or we will miss the train.
Most el kell indulnunk, különben lekéssük a vonatot.
Pay attention, or you might get hurt.
Learner examples
Run fast, or you will be late.
Fuss gyorsan, különben elkésel.
Do your homework, or you will get in trouble.
Csináld meg a házi feladatodat, különben bajba kerülsz.
Eat now, or you will be hungry later.
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly use 'and' here instead of 'or', which changes the meaning.
Meaning
'If not' introducing result
Collocations
hurry up or you'll be late
|study hard or fail
|leave now or miss the bus
Synonyms
otherwise (Can replace 'or' in this sense to show the consequence of not doing something)
Themes
grammar
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say what will happen if something does not happen.
Used to introduce the result that will happen if the previous statement is not true or not done.
Grammar
Dictionary form
or
IPA
GB/ˈɔɹ/
US/ˈɔɹ/
Syllables & stress
or (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (or)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: or
- Plural: or
Word family
Expressions
either ... or ...
1/ˈiðɚ | ˈɔɹ |/
fixed phrase
One of two possibilities
Used to talk about a choice between two things.
Examples
- You can either stay here or come with us.
- Either call me tonight or send me an email.
or else
1/ˈɔɹ ˈɛls/
fixed phrase
'If not' with implied threat/result
Used to say what bad thing will happen if something is not done.
Examples
- You'd better finish your work, or else you'll get a bad grade.
- You had better finish your work, or else you'll be in trouble.
- Put on your coat, or else you'll catch a cold.
- We need to leave now, or else we'll miss the start of the show.
or rather
1/ˈɔɹ ɹˈæðɚ/
fixed phrase
used to correct or clarify
Used to change what you just said to something more correct or exact.
Examples
- It happened on Monday—or rather, very early Tuesday morning.
- He’s from Spain—or rather, from Catalonia.
or rather
2/ˈɔɹ ɹˈæðɚ/
fixed phrase
Correction to previous statement
Used to change what you just said to make it more correct.
Examples
- It happened last week, or rather, eight days ago.
- She’s my colleague, or rather, my former colleague.