Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

type

example

typical context

Could you go and work in France or Italy?

both alternatives are held up for equal

consideration by the speaker, and the

answer could be yes to both

Was it a CD-ROM or a DVD?

both alternatives are possible: only one of

them can be the right one

Are you hungry or do you want to eat later?

both alternatives are possible: there is a

possible assumption that the listener is

hungry

Alternative questions with more than two alternatives can have more complex

intonation choices:

Would you like tea or coffee or water?

(suggests the listener may choose any of the three or none of the three; could

also be three fall-rises)

Do you want a sandwich or a roll or something sweet?

(suggests a contrast between savoury food as a set and sweet food)