A1 conjunction Neutral #31 most common

or

/ɔːr/

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Would you like tea or coffee with your breakfast?

Would you like tea or coffee with your breakfast?

2

The candidate must hold a Master's degree or have five years of relevant experience.

The candidate must hold a Master's degree or have five years of relevant experience.

3

We can see a movie or just hang out at my place.

We can see a movie or just hang out at my place.

Word Family

Related
option
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the letter 'O' in 'or' as a circular 'Option' button that you press to make a choice.

Quick Quiz

Do you want to go to the park ___ stay at home today?

Correct!

The correct answer is: or

Examples

1

Would you like tea or coffee with your breakfast?

everyday

Would you like tea or coffee with your breakfast?

2

The candidate must hold a Master's degree or have five years of relevant experience.

formal

The candidate must hold a Master's degree or have five years of relevant experience.

3

We can see a movie or just hang out at my place.

informal

We can see a movie or just hang out at my place.

4

Participants were asked to identify the shape as a circle or a square.

academic

Participants were asked to identify the shape as a circle or a square.

5

Please confirm if the meeting will be held in person or via video conference.

business

Please confirm if the meeting will be held in person or via video conference.

Word Family

Related
option

Common Collocations

either or either or
more or less more or less
sooner or later sooner or later
right or wrong right or wrong
sink or swim sink or swim

Common Phrases

believe it or not

believe it or not

take it or leave it

take it or leave it

whether or not

whether or not

Often Confused With

or vs are

'Are' is a verb form of 'to be', while 'or' is a conjunction for choices.

or vs our

'Our' is a possessive adjective, whereas 'or' indicates an alternative.

📝

Usage Notes

In a list of three or more items, 'or' usually appears only before the final item. It can also be used to clarify a term by providing a synonym.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 'or' with 'and' when the context requires a choice rather than an addition. Another mistake is using 'or' when 'nor' is required after 'neither'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the letter 'O' in 'or' as a circular 'Option' button that you press to make a choice.

📖

Word Origin

Originates from Middle English, shortening of 'other', which itself comes from Old English 'oþþe'.

Grammar Patterns

Links two nouns, verbs, or adjectives Often paired with 'either' (either... or...) Used in questions to offer choices

Quick Quiz

Do you want to go to the park ___ stay at home today?

Correct!

The correct answer is: or

Related Words

exarchness

C1

The state or quality of being an exarch, specifically referring to the authoritative status or regional jurisdiction of a deputy ruler or high-ranking ecclesiastical official. It describes the inherent power and dignity associated with governing a province or diocese on behalf of a higher sovereign.

perihumer

C1

A technical term referring to the anatomical region or specific tissue structures immediately surrounding the humerus bone in the upper arm. It is primarily used in orthopedic medicine and physical therapy to describe areas of concern during surgery, injury assessment, or prosthetic fitting.

microfluship

C1

A precise, automated release of a minimal amount of fluid or data used to clear a micro-system or reset high-sensitivity sensors. It is typically employed in microfluidic engineering and advanced computing to prevent sediment buildup or signal noise.

antiponness

C1

The quality or state of being opposed to or averse to hard labor, toil, or physical exertion. It describes a deep-seated resistance to performing arduous tasks, often found in philosophical or psychological discussions about the nature of work.

forenumerary

C1

Describes something that pertains to an initial or preliminary counting or listing that occurs before the main enumeration. It is typically used in administrative, historical, or technical contexts to refer to items or individuals recorded ahead of a final official tally.

detangite

C1

To separate components, strands, or ideas that have become intricately intertwined or knotted. It is most frequently used in formal or technical contexts to describe the process of unravelling a complex situation, data set, or physical structure.

unitangine

C1

Describing a process or system that operates through a single point of contact or a singular, unbranching focus. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote a direct and isolated interaction between two entities.

enjectment

C1

Ejectment is a legal action or remedy brought by a person who claims title to real property to recover possession of that property. It is primarily used to remove a tenant or squatter who is wrongfully occupying the land and to settle disputes regarding the rightful owner's title.

invertite

C1

Describing something that has been reversed in position, order, or nature, or turned upside down. It is a highly specialized or archaic term used primarily in technical, historical, or biological contexts to denote a state of inversion.

malteghood

C1

Describing a state marked by deep-seated communal loyalty and historical resilience. It refers to qualities or behaviors that prioritize the preservation of a group's collective identity and shared fortitude above individual interests.

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