1. Present two or more alternatives:
* Example: "Would you like tea or coffee?" (You can choose one or the other)
* Example: "The store is open on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday." (It could be any of those days)
2. Indicate a choice between two or more possibilities:
* Example: "You can go left or right." (You must pick one direction)
* Example: "She is either happy or sad." (She can't be both at the same time)
3. Express a condition where one thing happens if another doesn't:
* Example: "Hurry up or you'll miss the bus." (You will miss the bus if you don't hurry)
* Example: "Study hard or you'll fail the test." (You will fail if you don't study)
4. Express a combination of possibilities:
* Example: "We can go to the park or the beach or stay home." (We can choose any one of these options, or even none)
Remember:
* "Or" is often used in conjunction with "either" or "neither."
* "Or" can sometimes be used to express a contrast, but in those cases, it usually means "but rather."
Examples:
* Contrast: "He is not a doctor, or a nurse, but a teacher."
* Choice: "You can have a cookie or a piece of cake."
* Condition: "Finish your homework or you can't watch TV."