otherwise

Used to say what will happen if you do not do something.

• Hurry, otherwise we will be late.
• Save your work; otherwise you might lose it.
• Wear a coat, otherwise you will get cold.

How to use it: clause; otherwise + clause (Leave now; otherwise you will miss the train.)

Similar words: or else

Common phrases: otherwise you will, otherwise we might

Used to describe what would have happened if the situation had been different.

• He called me; otherwise I would have forgotten.
• We took a taxi; otherwise we would have missed dinner.
• I found my keys; otherwise I could not have driven home.

How to use it: otherwise + would/could have + past participle (She helped me; otherwise I would have failed.)

Similar words: if not

Common phrases: otherwise would have, otherwise could have

Except for the thing just mentioned; in every other way.

• The bag is scratched but otherwise fine.
• He has a cough but is otherwise healthy.
• One window broke; the house was otherwise undamaged.

Similar words: apart from that

Common phrases: otherwise fine, otherwise healthy, otherwise quiet, otherwise normal

In a different way, especially when thinking or saying that something is not true.

• I thought he agreed, but he said otherwise.
• They expected failure, but the results proved otherwise.
• She seems happy, although her friends think otherwise.

Similar words: differently

Common phrases: think otherwise, suggest otherwise, say otherwise

Different from what someone has said, expected, or believed.

• He wished the situation were otherwise.
• We assumed the room was empty, but it was otherwise.
• She claimed the story was true; the facts were otherwise.

Similar words: different

Common phrases: be otherwise, prove otherwise