[Vocabulary] Or

[Kazuo]

Hello!

Why don't you ask her out?
Or are you too shy? (Longman)

Question:
What does ‘or’ mean? It sounds as if meaning ‘That is’. But an interrogative sentence follows. :-?

Thanks in advance

 

[Barb_D]

You use this to suggest a possible reason that someone will NOT do what you just said.

Why not plant the tree here? Or is the ground too hard to dig?
Let's watch television. Or is there nothing good on?

 

[Raymott]

Or is a conjunction.

1. (used to connect words, phrases, or clauses representing alternatives): books or magazines; to be or not to be.
2. (used to connect alternative terms for the same thing): the Hawaiian, or Sandwich, Islands.
3. (used in correlation): either … or; or … or; whether … or.
4.(used to correct or rephrase what was previously said): His autobiography, or rather memoirs, will soon be ready for publication.
5.otherwise; or else: Be here on time, or we'll leave without you.

Pruthiraj Nayak

And which of these 5 uses do you think explains the poster's example?

 

[Kazuo]

Hello!

As for the question posted by Raymott, I think 4 is the answer.

Thank you

 

[Ever Student]

Hello!

As for the question posted by Raymott, I think 4 is the answer.

Thank you

Hi,

I am not sure but I think "or" here implies "perhaps". I would like to know which alternative is correct. I agree with Kazuo!

 

[TheParser]

Hello!

Why don't you ask her out?
Or are you too shy? (Longman)

Question:
What does ‘or’ mean? It sounds as if meaning ‘That is’. But an interrogative sentence follows. :-?

Thanks in advance

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good morning, Kazuo.

(1) One definition given by The New Oxford American Dictionary:

introduces an afterthought, usually in the form of a question.

(2) This is my example, not the book's:

Would you like to go to the dance with me? Or maybe you think that I'm not good enough for you?

Thank you.