- pronunciation:
- or
- features:
- Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
conjunction |
| definition 1: |
When you can have ice cream or cake, it means that you have a choice between ice cream and cake You cannot have both, but you can have one. If it will rain tomorrow or just be cloudy, it means that there are two possibilities for the weather tomorrow. One is that it will rain. The other is that it will just be cloudy.
Do you like big dogs or small dogs more?You can go by yourself, or I can come with you.We can play a game or we can watch a movie. What do you want to do?The thief came in through the basement window or through the back door. We'll find out soon. |
| definition 2: |
We use "or" to mention some possible things because we are not sure which will be correct or best.
Mr. Clark will be here in one or two hours, depending on the traffic.When you're at the store, could you get me two or three lemons? |
| definition 3: |
"Or" can mean "and also" when it is used with a negative statement. If you didn't do your math homework OR study for your spelling test, it means you didn't do your math homework, AND ALSO you DID NOT study for your spelling test.
I asked Alan to call me, but he never called or even sent me a text.Diana didn't have any lunch or even a snack today. She must be very hungry. |
| definition 4: |
Sometimes "or" is used to say what thing will or might happen depending on whether something else happens or doesn't happen.
You'd better leave now, or you will miss the bus.Take the cake out of the oven now, or the top will get burnt. |
| definition 5: |
"Or" is used when you are talking and you mention a second word that means exactly the same thing as the word you just said.
Lightning bugs, or fireflies, can easily be seen at night during these few weeks of the summer.Your backbone, or spine, is the row of bones that goes down the middle of your back. |
The words
or,
oar, and
ore sound alike but have different meanings.