What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
or
Example
Would you like tea or coffee? [or: conjunction]
Example
I can't decide whether to go to the beach or the mountains. [or: preposition]
Example
You must be quiet, or you will wake the baby. [or: conjunction]
else
Example
Do you have anything else to add to the discussion? [else: pronoun]
Example
I don't like this shirt, do you have anything else in my size? [else: adverb]
Example
Everyone is going to the party, except for John and his girlfriend. [else: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Or is more commonly used than else in everyday language. Or is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while else is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between or and else?
Both or and else are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
