What is “otherwise”? How to use “otherwise”?

"Otherwise" is a quite familiar word that you may have encountered before. What is "otherwise" mean and how can it be used specifically? In the article below, PREP will provide the clearest guidance on using the "Otherwise".

I. “Otherwise” definition

What is “otherwise”? "Otherwise” meaning in English is similar to “if not" or "or else". Otherwise is commonly used as a conjunction to express two opposing clauses or ideas within one sentence. Below are some examples with otherwise:

• You should bring an umbrella, otherwise, you will get wet.
• You have to arrive at the office before 9:00 am, otherwise, you will be punished. 

In the case where "Otherwise" functions as an adjective, it means "not as assumed" or "different". For example:

• I don’t believe it, my boyfriend is quite otherwise after marriage.
• She behaves otherwise when she is at home”. 

II. The position of “otherwise” in a sentence 

PREP has answered the question: What is "otherwise". How about using otherwise in a sentence. Below are common positions of “otherwise” in a sentence: 

1. Otherwise stands in the middle of a sentence/two clauses 

In cases where "otherwise" is used as a conjunction (meaning "if not") and as an adverb (meaning "differently, or in another way"), it is placed between two clauses. The structure of Otherwise placed between sentences/clauses is as follows:

Clause 1 +, otherwise (conjunction) + Clause 2.

S + otherwise (adverb) + V + O.

For example:

• Eat ice cream now, otherwise, it will be melted. 
• Uncle Ho, otherwise known as the leader of Vietnam, is forever respected. 

2. Otherwise comes at the end of the sentence

In the case of being an adjective, "Otherwise" is typically used at the end of a sentence to indicate that something is completely different from what was previously mentioned or expected. The structure of "Otherwise" at the end of the sentence is:

S + to be +  otherwise.

For example:

• Everyone thought he was a thief, he is otherwise. 
• People think she’s happy but the truth is otherwise. 

III. The usage of “otherwise” 

PREP has introduced What is "otherwise" and “otherwise” ‘s position in a sentence. Now, let take a look at the summary of how to use "Otherwise" in specific situations. You can refer to the detailed structures and examples on how to use it:

1. Otherwise is used as a conjunction

Otherwise means "if not", usually standing in the connecting position between two clauses. For example: 

• Don’t talk in the room, otherwise, we will have to go out. 
• You should do your homework, otherwise, you will be punished.

2. Otherwise is used as an adjective 

When functioning as an adjective, "Otherwise" frequently takes its place at the end of a sentence. It is employed to convey a meaning contrary to what was assumed or different from the norm. For instance:

• She may say she’s talented in the interview, but the truth is otherwise.
• He says he loves you but it’s otherwise. 

3. Otherwise is used as an adverb

As an adverb, "otherwise" means "in all other respects" or "except for what was just mentioned." It usually appears in the middle of a sentence. In this case, otherwise is equal to Apart from this and is often used with the conjunction "but." For example:

• This room has no balcony, but otherwise everything is fine. 
• This dress is pretty, but otherwise, it’s too short. 

4. Otherwise is used in conditional sentences

In conditional sentences, "Otherwise" is used as a conjunction, meaning "if not". When used between two clauses in a sentence, a period or semicolon is required after "Otherwise". For example:

• I need to save up for my tuition fee, otherwise, I would spend it on traveling to Singapore for my best friend’s birthday.
• I traveled by plane, otherwise I would have missed the important event.

IV. Equivalent phrases/structures to Otherwise 

Below are some equivalent phrases/structures to Otherwise: 

1. Unless 

"Unless" is a conjunction used in English to indicate the opposite or negative of a condition. Specifically, "unless" is similar in meaning to "if not" or "otherwise". For more details on the use of "unless", please refer to the article "What is Unless (If not)? The usage of Unless & exercises with detailed answers".

• Bring a raincoat. If you don’t, you will get wet = Unless you bring a raincoat, you will get wet. = Bring a raincoat, otherwise, you will get wet. 
• Unless you study, you will fail the exam = You should study, otherwise you will fail the exam. 

2. Or else 

"Or else" means "if not" or "otherwise", equivalent in meaning to the conjunction "Otherwise". For example:

• Move now or else we’ll miss our flight! = Move now otherwise we will miss our flight! 
• Study hard or else you will miss the exam = Study hard otherwise you will miss the exam.

Be mindful of the context when using "Otherwise" and equivalent words!

V. Exercises on Otherwise 

Below are exercises that provide practice using "Otherwise" in sentences for you to reference and help further reinforce your understanding:

1. Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer

2. Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences

3. Answer keys

Exercise 1:

Exercise 2: 

VI. Start Your IELTS Journey 

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