else vs. otherwise

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mijn naam - 07 Aug 2008 15:51 GMT

Pardon the intrusion, I was hoping someone could help me out understanding
the subtle differences (if any) between 'else' and 'otherwise' in the
following.

What's better:

If {something happens}, {the following happens}. Else {something else
happens}.
If {something happens}, {the following happens}. Otherwise {something else
happens}.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this, it is really hard for a non-native
speaker and the dictionary doesn't help.

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Alan Pemberton - 09 Aug 2008 10:16 GMT

> Pardon the intrusion, I was hoping someone could help me out understanding
> the subtle differences (if any) between 'else' and 'otherwise' in the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> If {something happens}, {the following happens}. Else {something else
> happens}.

The terse 'else' form is usually reserved for high-level computer
languages (and those who speak them fluently).

'Or else' is sometimes used in conversational English, although it often
implies a threat, or some other portent of doom.

> If {something happens}, {the following happens}. Otherwise {something else
> happens}.

That would be the most common form in conversational/written English.
But with the clauses separated by commas, rather than full stops.

> I would appreciate any thoughts on this, it is really hard for a non-native
> speaker and the dictionary doesn't help.

Use 'otherwise', or else people might misinterpret your intentions.

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Alan Pemberton
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mijn naam - 09 Aug 2008 11:28 GMT

>> Pardon the intrusion, I was hoping someone could help me out
>> understanding
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>> non-native
>> speaker and the dictionary doesn't help.

Thank you very much.

> Use 'otherwise', or else people might misinterpret your intentions.

^^^^^^^

lol, nice example :-)

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Discussion Groups / British English / August 2008

else vs. otherwise