conjunction
eller
or
Definition & meaning
Eller is a conjunction meaning “or.” It connects alternatives, choices, or possibilities.
- Te eller kaffe? — Tea or coffee?
- Vi kan gå eller ta bussen. — We can walk or take the bus.
It can also introduce a correction or clarification, like “or rather” in English.
Grammar & Word origin
Eller is a coordinating conjunction: it joins words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical status. It does not change form.
The word comes from Old Swedish eller, related to conjunctions in other Germanic languages.
Synonyms & antonyms
- alternativt — “alternatively”; more formal and often used to present another option.
- och — “and”; not a strict antonym, but it joins things rather than presenting them as alternatives.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Vill du ha kaffe eller te först?conjunction
Do you want coffee or tea first?
Ska vi gå till stranden eller stanna hemma?conjunction
Shall we go to the beach or stay at home?
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