or again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or again" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is being repeated or that there is another option. For example, "I could take the train or again I could drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Time Travel (or, again, just wait until the next day.

WikiHow

Or again, maybe not.

The Economist

Or again: "Gonna visit Edgar.

The New York Times - Books

(Or, again, that Palmer had been assaulted).

The New Yorker

Or again, it could be an aberration.

The Economist

Or, again, "Maybe she's at the circus".

The New York Times

Or again, take the other side of this relationship.

Independent

Or again: Two lovely black eyes — Oh, what a surprise!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We had a cOr... bond.

Vice

Your child may receive a small present and/or – again – a handful of gingerbread nuts.

WikiHow

Or again, the rights of political speech are a subclass of the rights of free expression.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or again" to introduce a secondary option or perspective, particularly when the first option has already been presented and you want to suggest an alternative without being overly repetitive. It works best when the second option is closely related to the first.

Common error

While "or again" is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly informal or conversational in formal writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "alternatively" or "conversely" when writing academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or again" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce an alternative option, reiterate a point, or offer a different perspective. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound construction in English. It signals a secondary choice or action that is related to the initial one.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or again" serves as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce an alternative option or a restatement. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While "or again" is less formal than alternatives like "alternatively" or "conversely", it finds frequent application in news, media, and wiki contexts. Consider its neutral register and choose more formal options for academic or professional contexts. As you write, leverage it to introduce closely related secondary options for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternatively

Suggests another possibility or choice, similar to "or again" but more concise.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting perspective or option.

conversely

Indicates an opposite or reversed situation.

by contrast

Highlights a difference or dissimilarity.

in other words

Offers a rephrasing or clarification of a previous statement.

put differently

Presents a concept or idea in a new way to enhance understanding.

to reiterate

Signals a restatement or repetition for emphasis.

once more

Indicates that something is happening or being done another time.

in addition

Adds another element or point to the discussion.

furthermore

Introduces a point that builds upon the previous one.

FAQs

How can I use "or again" in a sentence?

"Or again" is used to introduce an alternative option or a restatement. For instance, "You can take the bus, or again, you could walk if the weather is nice."

What are some alternatives to "or again"?

Some alternatives include "alternatively", "conversely", or "on the other hand". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "or again" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "or again" can be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "furthermore" or "in addition" to maintain a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "or again" and "or also"?

"Or again" suggests a repeated action or another possibility, while "or also" simply adds another item or action to a list. For example, "You can try this method, or again, you can consult an expert" implies a secondary option, whereas "You can sing or also dance" adds another action you can perform.