Conversational Phrases/O

Conversational phrases beginning with O. Select a phrase for more details.

of course

You can add this if what you're saying should be obvious to the listener.

of course not! INFORMAL

You can answer a question with this if you want to say "no" very definitely or forcefully.

of course! (1) INFORMAL

You can answer a question with this if you want to say "yes" very definitely or forcefully.

of course! (2) INFORMAL

You can say this if you suddenly understand or realize something.

oh no! | oh my God! INFORMAL

You can say this if something bad happens or you hear bad news.

oh well

You can say this if you're disappointed.

on earth | the hell INFORMAL

You can use this to add emphasis to a question, esp. if you're surprised or annnoyed.

on second thoughts

You can say this if you've suddenly changed your mind.

or else

You can use this to say something must be true, because if it wasn't true something else would or wouldn't have happened.

or else! INFORMAL

If you add "or else!" to a command or a demand, it becomes an implied threat.

or what? INFORMAL

You can add this to a question if you're getting impatient or frustrated.

out with it! INFORMAL

You can say this if someone's refusing to tell you something you want to know.

over my dead body! INFORMAL

You can say this if you strongly oppose a plan or an action, and you're not going to let it happen.

Contributor: Matt Errey