Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Seiichi MYOGA]

Do you accept (1)?

(1) Get away; otherwise, I'll call the police.

Thank you in advance
Seiichi MYOGA

In this case, people will prefer (2); The only way they can put themselves one up to show they're the ones who are in charge is by giving a choice.

(2) Get away, or (else) I'll call the police.

Some people may think (3) is a variant of (2).

(3) Get away, otherwise I'll call the police.

(1) is a form of "Order; Reason" and therefore seems to be less persuasive or effective when you address an intruder or something.

I'm wondering if people who normally prefer <S; otherwise, S> will also stick to this pattern.

[MrPedantic]

Hello Seiichi


(1) Get away; otherwise, I'll call the police.

� Yes, this seems fine; though I would prefer "go away".


(2) Get away, or (else) I'll call the police.

� Yes, either is fine.


(3) Get away, otherwise I'll call the police.

� This seems fine too. It sounds a little more "hurried" than #1.

(Have I missed the point of your question? I feel I have...)

All the best,

MrP