# Else

/ˈɛɫs/ (US) · /ˈɛls/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/else
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. other or different

adjective · CEFR A1

used after words like 'something', 'anybody', or 'who' to mean 'other' or 'different'.

For teachers: postpositive adjective denoting an additional or different person, thing, or place; typically follows indefinite pronouns or interrogative words.

- If you don't like this shirt, is there anything else you want to try on?
- The witness claimed to have seen someone else leaving the building, but the security footage failed to corroborate this detail.

### 2. in a different way or place

adverb · CEFR A2

used after words like 'somewhere' or 'anywhere' to mean in another place.

For teachers: adverbial use indicating a different manner, time, or location; most frequently follows 'somewhere', 'anywhere', or 'nowhere'.

- The restaurant was too crowded, so we decided to look somewhere else.
- Having exhausted all local leads, the investigators were forced to look elsewhere for evidence of the suspect's whereabouts.

### 3. if not / otherwise

conjunction · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: used to introduce the second of two alternatives, where the second follows if the first is not realised; often paired as 'or else'.

- You need to leave now, or else you will miss your train.
- The contract must be signed by midnight, or else the entire agreement will be rendered null and void.

## Examples

- Is there anything else you need from the shop?
- If the manager is busy, we will have to ask someone else for help with the refund.
- The witness claimed to have seen the suspect at the station, but everyone else in the waiting room insisted that the platform had been entirely deserted at that hour.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.