4.16 'either/or' questions

You sometimes ask a question in which you mention two or more possible answers. You link the possible answers with 'or'. For example, you might say 'Is he awake or asleep?' or 'Do you like your coffee white or black?'. You expect the actual answer to your question to be one of the answers you have mentioned.

Words, word groups, and clauses can all be linked in this way.

Questions like these are sometimes called 'either/or'-questions.

• 'Who do you like best, me or Emily?' --- 'Oh, you, of course.'
• 'Was it healthy or diseased?' --- 'Diseased, I'm afraid.'
• 'Will you have your whisky, or do you want dinner straight away?' --- 'Whisky. Make it a large one.'