Words / B1

UTH-uh-wyz/ˈʌðəwaɪz/

Otherwise usually means if not: leave now, otherwise we will be late. Or else is more informal and can sound like a threat. Otherwise can also mean in other ways: the food was cold, but otherwise the meal was fine. Other ways / if not are the two exam uses. Do not pair otherwise with if in the same clause.

Meaning

If not; in a different way.

Examples

• “Hurry, otherwise we will miss the bus.”
• “Take a map, otherwise you will get lost.”
• “The hotel is noisy; otherwise it is excellent.”

Good to know

imperative, otherwise + result. also: in other ways. Informal/threat: or else.

Near in meaning

or else

New