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.
— Andriy Lapin
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...
Free · every Monday
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
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: