1. meaning/use Else means ‘other’ or ‘more’ after: Somebody, someone, something, somewhere; anybody/one/thing/where; everybody/one/thing/where; nobody/one/thing/where; who, what, why, when, where, how; whatever, whenever etc; little; much |
E.g. - Would you like 'anything else'? - I'm sorry. I mistook you for 'somebody else'. - 'Where else' did you go besides Madrid? - 'What else' have you got to do? - 'Whatever else' he may be, he's not a mathematician. - We know when Shakespeare was born and when he died, but we don't know 'much else' about his life. |
In a formal style, else is sometimes used after 'all'. E.g. - When 'all else' fails, read the instructions. |
2. other form Else has a possessive form 'else’s'. E.g. - You are wearing somebody 'else’s' coat. |
3. structure There is no plural structure with else. E.g. - I didn't see 'any other' people. (NOT...any else people.) |
4. other words |
a. or else Or else means 'otherwise', 'if not'. E.g. - Let's go, 'or else' we'll miss the train. Or else is sometimes used with no continuation, as a threat. E.g. - You'd better stop hitting my little brother, 'or else!' |
b. elsewhere This is a formal word for somewhere else. E.g. - If you are not satisfied with my hospitality, go 'elsewhere'. |
NOTE: Else comes immediately after the word it modifies. E.g. - What else would you like? (NOT What would you like else?) |