or

or — conjunction

1. links two or more possible answers, actions, things, or situations, showing that

1.連接詞A1
釋義

links two or more possible answers, actions, things, or situations, showing that one of them is the relevant choice.

例句

Would you like tea or hot milk before bed tonight?

question pattern: A or B

Maya can meet us on Thursday or Friday after class.

or linking two time options

同義詞
  • either

    often appears before the first of two options to make the pair clearer

  • alternatively

    more formal and often starts a new sentence or clause

  • whether

    used more for doubt or reported questions than for direct choice

反義詞
  • and

    joins items together instead of offering a choice between them

文法句型

A or B

whether A or B

verb + or + alternative

用法筆記

The basic pattern for alternatives. 'Either' can be added before the first option when there are two clear choices, but plain 'or' is often enough in everyday English.

常見錯誤

❌Would you like tea and coffee?
✅Would you like tea or coffee?
💡use 'or' when the person should choose between alternatives.
❌Maya can meet us on Thursday nor Friday.
✅Maya can meet us on Thursday or Friday.
💡'nor' normally belongs with a negative structure, not an ordinary choice.

2. with a negative verb, it extends the same 'not' meaning to another item or actio

2.連接詞A2
釋義

with a negative verb, it extends the same 'not' meaning to another item or action in the list.

例句

Ben doesn't drink coffee or tea during night shifts.

negative verb + A or B

The old printer can't scan or copy colored pages.

cannot + verb or verb

同義詞
  • nor

    more formal and usually appears after 'neither' or with inversion

  • either

    can appear in negative pairs such as 'not either A or B', but is much less common here

反義詞
  • and

    appears in positive lists when all items are included

文法句型

not + A or B

never + A or B

cannot + A or B

用法筆記

This sense depends on a negative word such as 'not', 'never', or 'can't'. Distinguish from sense 1, where 'or' simply offers alternatives without any negative meaning.

常見錯誤

❌Ben doesn't drink coffee and tea.
✅Ben doesn't drink coffee or tea.
💡after a negative verb, 'or' usually continues the negative meaning across the list.
❌Grandma can't hear nor the bell or the phone.
✅Grandma can't hear the bell or the phone.
💡'nor' is not needed in this ordinary negative pattern.

3. joins an instruction or warning to the bad result that may happen if the first a

3.連接詞B1
釋義

joins an instruction or warning to the bad result that may happen if the first action is not followed.

例句

Put the fish in ice, or it will smell by noon.

warning: do X or + result

Hurry, or the last train to Tainan will leave.

imperative + or + future result

同義詞
  • otherwise

    common in writing and can replace the whole second warning clause

  • or else

    more forceful and often sounds stronger or more threatening

  • if not

    gives a similar condition, but usually as part of a different sentence structure

文法句型

imperative + or + clause

do X or + bad result

用法筆記

Often follows an order, suggestion, or urgent reminder. Distinguish from sense 4, which adds an explanation or correction rather than a possible consequence.

常見錯誤

❌Hurry, and the last train will leave.
✅Hurry, or the last train will leave.
💡this pattern warns about what may happen if you do not act.
❌Wear gloves or your hands freeze yesterday.
✅Wear gloves, or your hands will freeze.
💡the second clause normally states the possible result, often with future meaning.

4. introduces words that restate something in a clearer way, narrow its meaning, co

4.連接詞B2
釋義

introduces words that restate something in a clearer way, narrow its meaning, correct it, or partly take it back.

例句

The drug eased the pain, or at least the worst part.

or at least for limiting a statement

Lima beans, or broad beans, were on every table.

noun, or + equivalent term

同義詞
  • that is

    more explicit and often used in writing to explain a term

  • namely

    formal and often introduces exact identification

  • rather

    used mainly when correcting the first wording

文法句型

term, or + explanation

statement, or + correction

name, or + another name

用法筆記

Common when the speaker adjusts the first wording instead of fully replacing it. This is the only sense here that often appears with commas around a short correcting phrase.

常見錯誤

❌Lima beans and broad beans were on every table.
✅Lima beans, or broad beans, were on every table.
💡here the second phrase gives another name for the same thing, not an extra item.
❌The drug eased the pain, but at least the worst part.
✅The drug eased the pain, or at least the worst part.
💡this pattern softens or limits the first statement.

or — adjective

or — noun