or meanwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or meanwhile" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to indicate simultaneous actions or events, but the correct form would be "meanwhile" on its own or in a different construction. Example: "I will start cooking dinner; meanwhile, you can set the table."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The paired drawings cut up and reassembled for Or, meanwhile, resemble skeletal computer renderings.

The Guardian - Arts

Or: "Meanwhile – the silent constellations and the space which is time which has nothing to do with her and with us".

The Guardian - Books

We are now etymologically prepared to deal with the hot word in the lexicon of this year's unprecedented budget stimulus: tranche, which some Washington stimulati pronounce to rhyme with "root and branch" or "meanwhile, back at the ranch".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Don't dress like or talk all about Christofer Drew or nevershoutnever or eat meanwhile I'm hot all the time if:: 1)You only know one song.

WikiHow

If you said at the end "I'll take three of the white", they would ask "pallets or containers?" Meanwhile in bars, it was either tinto or blanco with maybe a rosé for the summer heat-haze.

BBC

Those who study French, German or Spanish, meanwhile, are awarded additional weight when applying to university.

The Guardian

A strong third-place showing by Mr. Kerry or Mr. Edwards, meanwhile, would help either one gain momentum.

The New York Times

The percentage who expected to increase their staff by 10% or more, meanwhile, declined to 30% from 36% three months ago.

The Economist

"German-style games" or "Eurogames", meanwhile, are a recognised genre, tightly designed with clear rules and sleek gameplay.

Independent

Roughly, this is what has happened to the pound and the dollar in the past year or so; meanwhile, the euro has been pushed in the opposite direction.

The Economist

Julia, Liza or Peggy Mr. Cantone, meanwhile, working with the theater director Joe Mantello, is polishing the best material he has accumulated in his years onstage, all the way back to the first impressions he ever did, of Julia Child, in junior high in Stoneham, Mass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "or meanwhile" in formal writing. Opt for "meanwhile" or other alternatives to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Don't combine "or" and "meanwhile" as they serve different functions. "Or" indicates a choice, while "meanwhile" indicates simultaneous or intervening time. Using them together creates a grammatically unsound phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or meanwhile" attempts to function as an adverbial connector, linking clauses to indicate simultaneity or a temporal relationship. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this combination is grammatically incorrect. The conjunction "or" introduces an alternative, while "meanwhile" denotes a concurrent event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or meanwhile" is grammatically incorrect and its use should be avoided. As indicated by Ludwig AI, "meanwhile" should be used on its own to indicate that something is happening at the same time as something else. While there are a few examples of this phrase being used in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications, the overall source quality is not high enough to justify its use, and there are better alternatives available such as "meanwhile", "at the same time" or "in the meantime".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meanwhile

Omits the conjunction 'or', offering a direct expression of simultaneous events.

in the meantime

Replaces "or meanwhile" with a standard phrase indicating an intervening period of time.

at the same time

Offers a synonymous expression indicating simultaneity, without the conjunction.

simultaneously

A single-word adverb that concisely conveys the idea of two things happening together.

whilst

Replaces 'meanwhile' with a slightly more formal synonym, omitting the 'or'.

concurrently

A formal synonym for 'at the same time', offering a sophisticated alternative.

by comparison

Highlights a contrast or comparison, omitting the temporal aspect of "meanwhile".

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting element, focusing on the difference rather than simultaneity.

conversely

Indicates an opposite or alternative viewpoint, diverging from the temporal meaning.

alternatively

Presents a different option or possibility, shifting the focus away from simultaneity or contrast.

FAQs

Is "or meanwhile" grammatically correct?

No, "or meanwhile" is not grammatically correct in standard English. Use "meanwhile" on its own to indicate simultaneous actions or events.

What can I say instead of "or meanwhile"?

You can use alternatives like "meanwhile", "at the same time", or "in the meantime", depending on the context.

What is the function of "meanwhile" in a sentence?

"Meanwhile" indicates that something else is happening at the same time as the main action, or during the intervening period.

Why is using "or" before "meanwhile" incorrect?

The word "or" suggests a choice between two options, while "meanwhile" introduces a simultaneous or subsequent event. Combining them creates a redundant and grammatically awkward phrase.