Have you ever been somewhere that was otherwise excellent except for one thing?
In today’s episode, Lindsay and Aubrey talk about the word ‘otherwise.’
You’ll learn how you can share that an experience was good overall except for one specific detail.
Listen in and learn to use this in a conversation in the business world.
English vocabulary
Aubrey asks Lindsay if she has ever been somewhere that was otherwise excellent except for one thing.
Lindsay shares that she stayed in a very quirky hotel in Maine.
It’s a family-owned business and it’s an old, small hotel but still very good.
The room they stayed in had a window that was not facing the outdoors.
It was an internal window that overlooked the indoor pool.
Though this was a bit strange, the experience in that hotel was otherwise excellent.
Today’s question
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Lindsay and Aubrey will answer the question regarding the use of the word ‘otherwise.’
Dear All Ears English team,
My name is Thomas Chen and I come from China. I have been listening to your podcasts (including the other two) for nearly half a year, almost every day! So I think I am qualified to be your die-hard fan!
My question is about the usage of the word, “otherwise”, and particularly “… or otherwise”. I have seen such usage somewhere but I am not sure of its exact meaning. it would be a great favor if you guys could do an episode about it.
I am not sure whether this email contact is the right way for me to ask this question. If not, I apologize for the inconveniences.
Thank you very much!
Thomas
Many uses of ‘otherwise’
‘Otherwise’ can mean that overall something was excellent except for one thing.
This is very helpful in a business setting as well as everyday conversations.
This sounds very professional and formal so it’s really good to use at work.
#1: Adverb meaning ‘or else’ or ‘if not’
This way shows that the result will be different if a suggestion isn’t followed.
Examples:
- We need to start the meeting right at 4. Otherwise, we’ll have to stay late.
- Let’s choose a strong team leader. Otherwise, it will be difficult to accomplish everything.
#2: Adverb meaning ‘in a different way‘
In this way, it also refers to something different or an alternative option.
Examples:
- Feel free to adjust the color or otherwise change the design.
- Please email or otherwise submit the proposal.
#3: Adverb meaning ‘apart from that’
This way will show you a contrast to what the initial thought or idea was.
Examples:
- It was an otherwise excellent presentation apart from the technical difficulties.
- The job was otherwise perfect except that I’d have to relocate.
#4: Adjective meaning ‘in a different state or situation‘
In this way, you are stating a different outcome or perspective.
Examples:
- If it were otherwise, it wouldn’t have worked out.
- Everyone arrived on time! If the situation were otherwise, we’d have been here all night!
Roleplay
Here is a roleplay sharing the many ways you can use the word ‘otherwise.’
This will give you a good idea of how to use these in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are discussing software they’re considering purchasing.
Lindsay: We need something to help us get organized. Otherwise, it’s too easy to forget tasks.
Aubrey: Agreed. We need to research or otherwise look into what’s out there.
Lindsay: This software does most of what we need but it doesn’t seem very user-friendly.
Aubrey: I agree. Otherwise it looks excellent!
Lindsay: Unfortunately, this option doesn’t quite have everything we need.
Aubrey: Too bad. If it were otherwise, we could pull the trigger now.
Takeaway
The word ‘otherwise’ is used many different ways in English.
Mastering the use of this word and using this in a conversation will make you sound more fluent and native.
Today’s tips will help you use it at work to clearly share what would happen if the situation were different.
Tune in to the Business English podcast for more great grammar and vocabulary tips.
Check out episode BE 346: How to Stay Relevant at Work and Talk About It to get words to use in the business setting that are native and natural.
What other words in English that you know can be used in so many ways?
Share it with us in the comments below.
