Is Or A Conjunction? 3 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

The word “or” is mainly used to show an “alternative”. Let us see if the word “or” can be used as a “conjunction” or not.

The word “or” can be marked as a conjunction in sentences where it connects more than one word, phrase, clause or sentence.

Now we are going to check various facts and explanations of the use of “or” as “conjunction”.

When is “or” a conjunction?

There are some specific situations where we can use the conjunction “or.” Let us check the conjunction “or” in different situations.

The conjunction “or” must be used to show options, possibilities, alternatives, etc. in different situations. Now, we see the situation where “or” is in use as a conjunction.

SituationExampleExplanation
1. To show a possibilityThere will be rain or stormy weather in the evening.The conjunction “or” shows the possibility between “rainy weather” and “stormy weather”.
2. To show an optionI can offer you green tea or black coffee for refreshment.The conjunction “or” shows an option between “green tea” and “black coffee”.
3. To demonstrate alternativeI order you to study well or I will not take you to the movie.The conjunction “or” demonstrates that if the addressed person doesn’t study well, then the speaker will not take him or her to the movie.
4. To give adviceYou must read aloud or your pronunciation will not be corrected.The conjunction “or” is in use to give advice about the profit of “reading aloud.”
5. To show an approximate numberThere will be five to six people to dress you up for your wedding ceremony.The conjunction “or” is in use to show not a specific number but an approximate number.
A list of uses of the word “or” as a “coordinating conjunction”

Why is “or” a coordinating conjunction?

The conjunction “or” comes under the group of “coordinating conjunction” conjunction. Let us check the reasons behind calling “or” a coordinating conjunction.

There are mainly four reasons behind calling the word “or” a “coordinating conjunction”. Now, we will look at those reasons and related examples.

Reasons behind calling “or” a conjunctionExampleExplanation
1. We can call the word “or” a coordinating conjunction when it connects two “words”.I will give you a frock. Which color do you want, red or blue?We can mark the word “or” a coordinating conjunction because it is in use to connect the word “blue” with the independent clause “Which color do you want, red”
2. One of the function of the coordinating conjunction “or” is to connect two “phrases”.Which one do you want, a red frock or a blue frock?We can mark the word “or” as a coordinating conjunction because it is in use to connect the word “blue” with the independent clause “Which color do you want?”
3. We can call the word “or” a coordinating conjunction when it connects two “clauses”.Which dress do you want, a red gown or a blue gown with stars on it?The word “or” can certainly be marked as a “coordinating conjunction” because it is used to connect the clause “blue gown with stars on it “with the main clause.
4. We can call the word “or” a coordinating conjunction when it connects two “sentences”.I will give you a frock. Do you want to wear the red frock or would you prefer the blue frock?The word “or” can certainly be marked as a “coordinating conjunction” because it is used to connect the sentence “would you prefer the blue frock?” with the main clause.
Four reasons behind calling the word “or” a “coordinating conjunction” and related examples

Examples of “or” as coordinating conjunctions –

Now, we will go through various examples and explanations where the word “or” is in use as “coordinating conjunction”.

ExampleExplanation
1. For our summer vacation, we plan to visit a hilly area or travel along the coast.The coordinating conjunction “or” is in use to “show an option” by connecting the clause “travel along the coast” with the main clause.
2. Are you going to speak the truth to your teacher or not?The coordinating conjunction “or” is in use to demonstrate “alternative” by connecting the word “not” with the main clause.
3. I order you to follow me or I will call your mother to instruct you.The coordinating conjunction “or” is in use to “show a possibility” by connecting the sentence “I will call your mother to instruct you.” with the main clause.
4. It is difficult to leave a life without good books or good friends.The coordinating conjunction “or” is in use to “show an option” by connecting the phrase “good friends” with the main clause.
5. Around fifty or sixty sweets will enough for the children of our orphanage.The coordinating conjunction “or” is in use to “show an approximate number” by connecting the phrase “Around fifty” with the main clause.
Examples of “or” as coordinating conjunctions

Conclusion –

We must make a note that we can not start or finish a sentence with the conjunction “or”.