one or the other

phrase

: one of two persons or things but not the other

One or the other of us will have to go.

Examples of one or the other in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The chain also differentiates itself by offering both classic burgers and smash burgers — not just one or the other. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

That’s part of this process for certain days or certain (practice) periods that one or the other (is the starter). — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

Those power players are the ones who have both institutional authority and strong personal networks, not merely one or the other. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Now comes the arrival of her freshman sister, Cinzia, which means fans in the bleachers might want to start designing and creating signs to wave each time one or the other scores a touchdown or makes a basket. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for one or the other

• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• stepmother
• brother
• mother
• nother
• smother
• souther