or
gb/ˈɔɹ/ us/ˈɔɹ/
A1
English
~ 100
Senses
0 senses
conjunction
A1
relation
1
Used to link alternatives
Used to show a choice between two or more things.
Usage pattern:
[choice A] or [choice B]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'or' with 'and', especially when listing items.
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)
Collocations
yes or no
|black or white
|right or wrong
|win or lose
Themes
grammar
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Would you like tea or coffee?
- We can walk to the park or take the bus.
- 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?
- Is it hot or cold today?
- We can go now or later.
- Do you like cats or dogs?
conjunction
A2
relation
2
'If not' introducing result
Used to say what will happen if something does not happen.
Usage pattern:
[do something], or [result]
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly use 'and' here instead of 'or', which changes the meaning.
Synonyms
otherwise (Can replace 'or' in this sense to show the consequence of not doing something)
Collocations
hurry up or you'll be late
|study hard or fail
|leave now or miss the bus
Themes
grammar
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Be quiet, or you'll wake the baby.
- We must leave now, or we will miss the train.
- Pay attention, or you might get hurt.
Learner examples
- Run fast, or you will be late.
- Do your homework, or you will get in trouble.
- Eat now, or you will be hungry later.
Grammar
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.