Conjunctions for alternative choices

Either to make a choice between two alternative options; or to negate between two options, conjunction for alternative choices are used. Neither….nor, either….or, Otherwise, Or, else are commonly used conjunctions for alternative choices.

a) Either carrot or eggs are recommended for healthy eyes. (Both are good source of vitamins)

b) Neither junk food nor fried and oily food items are beneficial to reduce obesity. (Both cause obesity)

c) It is compulsory for everyone to follow rules and regulations; or face consequences. (If you fail to what is expected, consequences are unavoidable)

d) You should come on time daily; otherwise, it is possible that you will loose your job. (Possibility of consequences, if you fail to deliver expected)

Understanding meaning of conjunctions for alternative choices

There are two types of conjunctions for alternative choices. One is used to make choices between two because both are useful or negate both alternatives.

Like, carrot or eggs are recommended for healthy eyes. (Both are good source of vitamins)

And, neither junk food nor fried and oily food items are beneficial to reduce obesity. (Both cause obesity)

In case of “Otherwise and Or”, there is a situation in which if you fail to deliver expected role, you can’t escape from consequences in return.

Practice regularly; or ready to lose trophy.

Reach at the station early; Otherwise, you you could miss the train.

Describing subject verb agreement in conjunctions for alternative choices

If the nouns or pronouns joined by “Or and Nor” are singular, the helping verb will be singular. And, If the nouns or pronouns joined by “Or and Nor” are plural, the helping verb will be plural.

Neither lion nor buffaloes are available in the national park. (plural nouns and plural auxiliary)

Neither bikes nor motor is useful in desert. (Singular noun and singular auxiliary)

Either mobiles or Kindle is ideal to study. (Singular noun and singular auxiliary)

When more than one personal pronouns are used in a sentence, the following order is used.

Second person, third person, and first person (You, she, and I)

Helping verb is preferred according to the personal pronouns joined by “Or and Nor”

She and I play football in the morning. ( First person singular)

You and she is happy go for picnic. (Third person singular pronoun)

He and they are planning to join personality class. (Third person plural pronoun)

Useful examples of conjunctions for alternative choices

Now, I’m going to provide useful examples of conjunctions for alternative choices — neither..nor, either…or, Otherwise, Or.

Either… Or make choices between two

1) I want to purchase either a fountain pen or a cricket bat.
2) Either he may write with a fountain pen, or he can choose a ball pen in the exam.
3) Either he or his friends are responsible for this misdeed.
4) I can choose either science or humanities as a career option.
5) Either he will join us, or he will spend his weekend with his family.

Neither……. Nor negate both choices

1) Neither Norway nor Switzerland is a member country of European Union.
2) Neither soil nor the water is free from pollution.
3) Neither he nor his friends are available for work.
4) Neither he nor his teammates were allowed to participate in this tournament anymore.
5) Neither she promised to help, nor were her friends responded positively.

Examples of Otherwise

1) You drink adequate water in summer otherwise you should be fainted
2) You should exercise daily otherwise your body will not exercise very well.
3) We must water the crop; otherwise, that will wilt down.
4) Think well before choosing a career; otherwise you will ruin your future.
5) You should avoid junk food; otherwise you will become fatty.

This is all about the conjunctions for alternative choices such as either or, neither nor, otherwise, or, else.

Demonstrative distributive and indefinite

Alternative coordinating conjunctions

Ecology and ecosystem

Correct use of pronouns

Rather than and instead of

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