student asking question

When do you use the expression "or as"? and what does it mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

You use the expression "or as" when you are linking alternatives together. It's a piece of alternative information to give the listener more context to the subject. Dumbledore is informing Harry that he has met Voldemort back when he was known as Tom Riddle; that Tom didn't go by the name Voldemort back then. He is linking Voldemort's current title to his birth title. Ex: My mother's name is Mary Smith or as she is more commonly called Mama Mary. Ex: Lilies, or as they are scientifically named Lilium, are very beautiful. Ex: Tea, or as I like to call it, leaf juice, is my favorite drink.

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