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Shupkay Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Is "otherwise" a conjunction

Some dictionaries classify otherwise as a conjunction as well as an adverb, and some consider it to be strictly an adverb, namely MW.

Should it be …

Use your umbrella, otherwise you'll get all wet.

or

Use your umbrella; otherwise you'll get all wet.

Thanks,

Shupkay
  

Top answer

Greetings, Quirk et al. classify the word as an adverb (inferential conjunct) and... that's all.

  • Greetings, Quirk et al.
  • classify the word as an adverb (inferential conjunct) and...
  • that's all.
  • The authors say that it can behave like a co-ordinative conjunction, but only behave , and not be one (as in Do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry ).
  • Additionally, a good dictionary will show you that it can be an adjective: Their political enemies were also their otherwise friends and If conditions were otherwise...
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2 Answers
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Greetings,

Quirk et al. classify the word as an adverb (inferential conjunct) and... that's all. The authors say that it can behave like a co-ordinative conjunction, but only behave, and not be one (as in Do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry). Additionally, a good dictionary will show you that it can be an adjective:

Their political enemies were
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Thank you for your input.

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