or · conj
or (CHANGE)
B2 used to change or correct something you have said
Dictionary examples:
Things have been going well recently. Or they were, up until two days ago. (18.5)
We told the truth, or most of it. (29.7)
Eleanor, or Ellie to her friends, took the initiative. (31.0)
or else
B2 used to say what will happen if another thing does not happen
Dictionary examples:
We have to be there by six, or else we'll miss the beginning. (17.3)
or (EXPLAIN)
C2 used to give a reason for, explain, or correct something you have said
Dictionary examples:
She must love her work or she wouldn't have kept at it all these years. (15.0)
Things were going well, or seemed to be, but the relationship had already begun to change. (26.4)
or (POSSIBILITIES)
A1 used between possibilities, or before the last in a list of possibilities
Dictionary examples:
Read or write? (0.0)
Sleep or play? (0.0)
Laugh or cry? (0.0)
Would you like tea or coffee? (7.6)
It will only take three or four days. (9.3)
Is that a boy or a girl? (16.0)
There were ten or twelve people in the room. (21.3)
It was either 1982 or 1983 - I can't remember which. (22.1)
You can have beer, wine or mineral water. (46.4)
or (NOT EITHER)
A2 used after a negative verb to mean not one thing and also not another
Dictionary examples:
My cat doesn't like water or baths. (0.0)
She doesn't speak English or French. (0.0)
She doesn't read books or newspapers. (0.0)
Tim doesn't eat meat or fish. (8.0)
She doesn't have a telephone or a computer. (9.8)
or not
A2 used to express the possibility that something might not happen
Dictionary examples:
Will you eat your vegetables or not? (0.0)
Will you eat broccoli or not? (0.0)
Will you wear socks with sandals or not? (0.0)
Are you going to reply or not? (13.9)
I still don't know whether she's coming or not. (20.1)
or (WARNING)
B1 used to give someone a warning or advice
Dictionary examples:
Turn off your phone during class, or it might start singing! (0.0)
Finish your vegetables, or I'll eat your dessert! (0.0)
Stop making silly faces, or your face will freeze like that! (0.0)
You should eat more, or you'll get sick. (21.7)
or other
C1 used when you cannot or do not want to be exact about the information you are giving
Dictionary examples:
We'll find someone or other to help us. (14.1)
The event was held in some park or other. (18.8)
or two
B1 used to indicate a very small number, often no more than two
Dictionary examples:
I'll be ready in a minute or two... Three hours later... (0.0)
I only need to buy one or two things... Why is my cart full? (0.0)
I'll stay for a day or two... Why did I pack for a month? (0.0)
We will spend a day or two in Boston. (13.2)
Mom said I can bring a friend or two with me. (17.1)
I'd like to ask our guest of honor to say a word or two. (33.8)
or so
B1 approximately
Dictionary examples:
I've sent 100 texts or so to my crush. They might think I like them! (0.0)
I've been late to class 20 times or so. The teacher thinks I live in another timezone! (0.0)
I've tried to cook eggs 50 times or so. They're still running away from me! (0.0)
I think we raised five hundred dollars or so for the charity. (36.4)