A1 Conjunctions & Connectors 14 min read Easy

Either... Or... in Statements (不是...就是...)

Use {不是|bùshì}...{就是|jiùshì}... to decisively narrow down a situation to only two logical possibilities in a statement.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '不是...就是...' to express that if something isn't one thing, it must be the other.

  • Place '不是' before the first option: 不是{喝|hē}茶
  • Place '就是' before the second option: 就是{喝|hē}咖啡
  • Combine them: 他不是{喝|hē}茶,就是{喝|hē}咖啡。
不是 + [Option A] + 就是 + [Option B]

Overview

When you're faced with a situation where you believe only two outcomes are possible, and you're making a strong, almost certain deduction, Chinese provides a highly effective and common pattern: 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...). This structure translates most closely to "either...

or..." or "if it's not A, then it must be B." It is not merely a way to list options; rather, it expresses a firm logical conclusion. This pattern is fundamental for A1 learners as it introduces a critical way to articulate decisive thinking, offering a clear contrast to more general conjunctions that simply present choices without the same level of certainty.

This grammatical construction reflects a binary mindset, emphasizing that if one possibility is excluded, the other is the inevitable truth. It's a statement of strong conviction, often based on observation, prior knowledge, or logical inference. Understanding 不是...就是... (`bùshì...

jiùshì...`) allows you to convey confidence in your deductions, moving beyond simple factual statements to express a more nuanced, assertive perspective on possibilities. Its prevalence in daily conversation makes it an indispensable tool for expressing certainty in various contexts, from describing habitual actions to making informed guesses about current situations.

How This Grammar Works

The power of 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) lies in its inherent logical structure. At its core, the pattern sets up a mutually exclusive relationship between two possibilities.
The 不是 (bùshì) element negates the first option, implicitly stating, "it is not A." This negation then strongly propels the listener toward the second option, introduced by 就是 (jiùshì), meaning "then it must be B" or "it is certainly B." This isn't a casual presentation of choices but a definitive statement about the limited nature of reality in a given context.
Linguistically, this construction leverages negation to establish certainty. By definitively ruling out one possibility, the speaker strengthens the case for the remaining one. For instance, in the sentence 他不是学生就是老师。 (Tā bùshì xuéshēng jiùshì lǎoshī., "He's either a student or a teacher."), the speaker implies a strong belief that no other identity is plausible for "he." This contrasts sharply with patterns that simply list options without such a strong logical link.
The emphasis here is on deduction and conviction, rather than mere selection or suggestion. You are essentially presenting a logical syllogism in a concise, idiomatic phrase, making your communication more direct and impactful.
Consider the example: 我朋友不是在工作就是在睡觉。 (Wǒ péngyǒu bùshì zài gōngzuò jiùshì zài shuìjiào., "My friend is either working or sleeping."). Here, 不是 (bùshì) rejects the idea that the friend is doing anything other than sleeping, given they are not working. The 就是 (jiùshì) then affirms sleeping as the only remaining possibility the speaker considers.
This binary framing eliminates perceived alternatives, conveying a high degree of confidence in the speaker's assessment. It's a definitive assertion about where someone's focus or activity must lie.

Formation Pattern

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The basic structure for 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) is straightforward, making it accessible even at the A1 level. It typically follows this formula:
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Subject + 不是 + Option A + 就是 + Option B
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Both Option A and Option B must be grammatically parallel. This means if Option A is a verb phrase, Option B should also be a verb phrase. If Option A is a noun, Option B should be a noun. Maintaining this parallelism ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.
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Here's a table illustrating the basic formation:
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| Component | Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
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| :------------ | :------------------------------------- | :------------------------- | :--------------- |
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| Subject | | | He |
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| 不是 | 不是 | bùshì | is not / not |
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| Option A | 在家里 | zài jiālǐ | at home |
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| 就是 | 就是 | jiùshì | then is / must be |
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| Option B | 在图书馆 | zài túshūguǎn | at the library |
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Example 1 (Verb Phrases):
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她不是在学习就是在玩手机。 (Tā bùshì zài xuéxí jiùshì zài wán shǒujī.) – She is either studying or playing on her phone.
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Here, 在学习 (studying) and 在玩手机 (playing on her phone) are both verb phrases.
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Example 2 (Nouns):
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这家餐厅不是中餐就是西餐。 (Zhè jiā cāntīng bùshì zhōngcān jiùshì xīcān.) – This restaurant serves either Chinese food or Western food.
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Here, 中餐 (Chinese food) and 西餐 (Western food) are both nouns.
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Example 3 (Adjective/Description):
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今天的天气不是太热就是太冷。 (Jīntiān de tiānqì bùshì tài rè jiùshì tài lěng.) – Today's weather is either too hot or too cold.
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Here, 太热 (too hot) and 太冷 (too cold) are both descriptive phrases.
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It's crucial that 不是 (bùshì) and 就是 (jiùshì) function as a pair. You cannot use one without the other in this specific pattern to convey the intended meaning of exclusive deduction.

When To Use It

The 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) pattern is primarily used in situations where you want to express a strong deduction or a confident guess based on limited, yet definitive, options. It conveys that, in your judgment, there are only two possibilities, and if one is not true, the other must be.
This makes it ideal for several common scenarios:
  1. 1Describing Habits or Regular Occurrences: When observing someone's routine or a recurring event, this pattern highlights its predictable, binary nature.
  • 我老板不是在开会就是在打电话。 (Wǒ lǎobǎn bùshì zài kāihuì jiùshì zài dǎ diànhuà.) – My boss is either in a meeting or on the phone. (Implies a constant state of being busy, with these two activities consuming most of their time.)
  1. 1Making Confident Guesses about Current States: When you are fairly certain about the status or location of something or someone.
  • 他没回信息,不是手机没电就是他太忙了。 (Tā méi huí xìnxī, bùshì shǒujī méi diàn jiùshì tā tài máng le.) – He didn't reply to the message; his phone is either dead or he's too busy. (Expresses a strong belief about the reason for the lack of reply.)
  1. 1Expressing Certainty in Limited Choices: When the context inherently presents only two clear alternatives.
  • 这个决定不是对的,就是错的。 (Zhège juédìng bùshì duì de, jiùshì cuò de.) – This decision is either right or wrong. (Highlights the absolute, binary nature of the decision.)
  1. 1Implying Frustration or Exasperation: Sometimes, this pattern can carry a subtle tone of annoyance or resignation, suggesting that a situation repeatedly falls into one of two undesirable states.
  • 这里的地铁不是晚点就是很挤。 (Zhèlǐ de dìtiě bùshì wǎndiǎn jiùshì hěn jǐ.) – The subway here is either delayed or very crowded. (Conveys a common frustration with the public transport experience.)
  1. 1In Casual Social Commentary: It's frequently used in informal settings to make relatable observations about daily life or common experiences.
  • 周末我不是在家看电影就是出去吃饭。 (Zhōumò wǒ bùshì zài jiā kàn diànyǐng jiùshì chūqù chīfàn.) – On weekends, I either watch movies at home or go out to eat. (Describes typical weekend activities in a definitive, almost self-deprecating way.)
It's important to remember that the speaker's internal conviction drives the use of 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...). You are asserting a high probability, almost a certainty, of one of two outcomes.
This contrasts with situations where you are merely presenting options for choice or suggesting possibilities with less conviction.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter several pitfalls when attempting to use 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...). Recognizing these common errors and understanding the underlying reasons for them is crucial for mastering this pattern.
  1. 1Confusing with Questions (还是): The most frequent mistake is using 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) in questions. This pattern is exclusively for statements and assertions. For questions asking "A or B?", the correct conjunction is 还是 (háishì).
  • Incorrect: 你不是吃面就是吃饭吗? (Nǐ bùshì chī miàn jiùshì chī fàn ma?) – (Incorrectly trying to ask: Are you eating noodles or rice?)
  • Correct: 你是吃面还是吃饭? (Nǐ shì chī miàn háishì chī fàn?) – Are you eating noodles or rice?
Using 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) in a question makes it sound like you are telling the listener what they must be doing, rather than asking for their choice or confirmation.
  1. 1Attempting to Include More Than Two Options: 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) is strictly a binary choice pattern. It implies a world where only two possibilities exist. If you need to list three or more options, you should use 或者 (huòzhě).
  • Incorrect: 她不是去北京,就是去上海,就是去广州。 (Tā bùshì qù Běijīng, jiùshì qù Shànghǎi, jiùshì qù Guǎngzhōu.) – (Incorrect: She's either going to Beijing, or Shanghai, or Guangzhou.)
  • Correct: 她要去北京、上海或者广州。 (Tā yào qù Běijīng, Shànghǎi huòzhě Guǎngzhōu.) – She's going to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
The structure is designed for a definitive exclusion, which breaks down with multiple unstated alternatives.
  1. 1Lack of Grammatical Parallelism: As noted in the formation section, Option A and Option B must be parallel in their grammatical structure. Mixing noun phrases with verb phrases, for example, will sound awkward and incorrect.
  • Incorrect: 我不是学生就是很累。 (Wǒ bùshì xuéshēng jiùshì hěn lèi.) – (Incorrect: I'm either a student or very tired.)
  • Correct (maintaining parallelism): 我不是学生就是老师。 (Wǒ bùshì xuéshēng jiùshì lǎoshī.) – I'm either a student or a teacher.
  • Correct (rephrased for parallelism): 我不是在学习就是在休息。 (Wǒ bùshì zài xuéxí jiùshì zài xiūxí.) – I'm either studying or resting.
Ensure that the elements flanking 不是 (bùshì) and 就是 (jiùshì) belong to the same grammatical category.
  1. 1Forgetting One Part of the Pair: 不是 (bùshì) and 就是 (jiùshì) function as a cohesive unit. Omitting either component renders the sentence incomplete and changes the intended meaning.
  • Incorrect: 他不是上班回家。 (Tā bùshì shàngbān huí jiā.) – (Incorrect: He's not going to work or going home.)
  • Correct: 他不是上班就是回家。 (Tā bùshì shàngbān jiùshì huí jiā.) – He's either going to work or going home.
Both parts are essential for establishing the binary logical relationship.
By carefully avoiding these common pitfalls, you can effectively wield 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) to express strong deductions and certainties in your Chinese communication.

Real Conversations

不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) is a cornerstone of authentic Chinese communication, frequently appearing in both spoken and written contexts, from casual chats to social media posts. Its use signals a definitive, often observed, binary reality.

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Scenario 1

Daily Observations

Imagine you're talking about a friend who has a very predictable routine:

- A: 小李最近好像很忙。 (Xiǎo Lǐ zuìjìn hǎoxiàng hěn máng.) – Xiao Li seems very busy lately.

- B: 可不是吗!他不是在公司加班,就是在去健身房的路上。 (Kě bùshì ma! Tā bùshì zài gōngsī jiābān, jiùshì zài qù jiànshēnfáng de lùshàng.) – Isn't that right! He's either working overtime at the company or on his way to the gym.

This exchange uses 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) to confidently describe Xiao Li's limited and predictable activities, implying there are no other possibilities for his busy schedule.*

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Scenario 2

Making a Deduction

You're trying to figure out why someone hasn't replied to a message:

- A: 张老师怎么还没回复我邮件? (Zhāng lǎoshī zěnme hái méi huífù wǒ yóujiàn?) – Why hasn't Teacher Zhang replied to my email yet?

- B: 她不是在开会,就是手机静音没听到。她平时回邮件很快的。 (Tā bùshì zài kāihuì, jiùshì shǒujī jìngyīn méi tīngdào. Tā píngshí huí yóujiàn hěn kuài de.) – She's either in a meeting or her phone is on silent and she didn't hear it. She usually replies to emails very quickly.

Here, B uses the pattern to offer two highly probable and exclusive reasons, based on knowledge of Teacher Zhang's habits.*

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Scenario 3

Expressing an Opinion or a Known Truth

Discussing common characteristics of a place or situation:

- 这座城市的天气就是这样,不是下雨就是刮大风。 (Zhè zuò chéngshì de tiānqì jiùshì zhèyàng, bùshì xiàyǔ jiùshì guā dàfēng.) – The weather in this city is just like this; it's either raining or blowing strong winds.

This serves as a definitive statement about the city's weather, presenting a binary reality for its common conditions.*

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Scenario 4

On Social Media or in Text Messages

This pattern is concise and direct, making it suitable for informal written communication:

- 我老板:不是让我加班,就是催我写报告。 (Wǒ lǎobǎn: bùshì ràng wǒ jiābān, jiùshì cuī wǒ xiě bàogào.) – My boss: either makes me work overtime or rushes me to write reports.

This expresses a common complaint concisely, highlighting the two main actions the boss typically takes.*

These examples demonstrate how 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) isn't just a grammar rule but a natural way to communicate strong, binary deductions in everyday Chinese, reflecting real-world observations and assumptions.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions learners have about 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...):
  • Q: Can 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) be used without a subject?

Yes, if the context makes the subject clear. For example, if two people are present and it's obvious you're talking about them: 不是你就是他。 (Bùshì nǐ jiùshì tā.) – It's either you or him. This is common in more informal settings where the subject can be inferred.

  • Q: Does this pattern always imply certainty, or can it be used for less confident guesses?

It generally implies a high degree of certainty or conviction from the speaker. If you are less confident and simply want to list possibilities, 或者 (huòzhě) is more appropriate. 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) removes the ambiguity of mere suggestion.

  • Q: Is there an equivalent to neither... nor... using this structure?

No, 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) expresses positive alternatives. For "neither A nor B," you would use a different structure like 既不...也不... (jì bù... yě bù...) or simply negative statements for both, e.g., 他不是学生也不是老师。 (Tā bùshì xuéshēng yě bùshì lǎoshī.) – He is neither a student nor a teacher.

  • Q: Can I use (hái) or () with 就是 (jiùshì)?

Not directly within this fixed structure. The 就是 (jiùshì) itself carries a definitive force of "then it is," which makes additional adverbs like (hái) (still) or () (also) redundant or grammatically awkward in this specific pairing. The 就是 (jiùshì) already emphasizes the "only" or "certainly" aspect.

  • Q: Are there any specific tone differences when using 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...)?

While generally a statement of fact or deduction, the tone can vary. It can be neutral, reflective of a strong observation. However, it can also convey slight exasperation, resignation, or even a touch of dramatic flair, especially when describing repetitive or undesirable situations (e.g., traffic is always either bad or worse).

  • Q: Is 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) primarily for informal use, or can it be used in formal contexts?

It's quite versatile. It's very common in informal conversations due to its directness. However, you might also find it in slightly more formal settings when presenting a logical deduction or narrowing down possibilities, though perhaps in a less colloquial phrasing. Its use often depends more on the speaker's conviction and the need to present a binary outcome.

  • Q: Does 就是 (jiùshì) here mean the same as when it's used to emphasize a fact (e.g., 就是这样 (jiùshì zhèyàng))?

Yes, the 就是 (jiùshì) here retains its emphatic function, signifying "precisely," "exactly," or "must be." In 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...), it emphasizes that the second option is the precise and inevitable outcome once the first is ruled out. It confirms the consequence of the initial negation.

  • Q: Why does the CEFR level indicate A1, even though it seems like a nuanced pattern?

While it has nuances, the basic structure and core meaning are relatively simple and highly functional for beginners. A1 learners can quickly grasp the "either/or (with conviction)" concept and use it to make simple deductions about daily life. Mastery of its full range of implication, however, develops with higher CEFR levels.

  • Q: Can I use 不是...就是... (bùshì... jiùshì...) to talk about past events?

Absolutely. The tense is conveyed by other elements in the sentence, or implied by context. For instance, 昨天他不是在家就是出去了。 (Zuótiān tā bùshì zài jiā jiùshì chūqù le.) – Yesterday, he was either at home or went out. The (le) here indicates the completion of an action in the past.

These answers should help clarify common queries and deepen your understanding of this important Chinese grammar pattern.

Formation Pattern

Subject Part 1 Option A Part 2 Option B
不是
喝茶
就是
喝咖啡
不是
看书
就是
睡觉
天气
不是
就是
不是
红色
就是
蓝色
不是
就是
不去
不是
老师
就是
学生

Meanings

This structure indicates that between two possibilities, one must be true. It implies a limited set of choices.

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Exclusive Choice

Stating that one of two actions is definitely happening.

“她不是{去|qù}学校,就是{去|qù}图书馆。”

“这周末不是{下雨|xiàyǔ},就是{刮风|guāfēng}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Either... Or... in Statements (不是...就是...)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 不是 + A + 就是 + B
他不是看书,就是睡觉。
Question
Subj + 是不是 + A + 就是 + B?
他是不是不是看书,就是睡觉?
Negative (rare)
Subj + 不是 + A + 也不是 + B
他不是看书,也不是睡觉。
Short Answer
不是A,就是B
不是看书,就是睡觉。

Formality Spectrum

Formal
您不是选择茶,就是选择咖啡。

您不是选择茶,就是选择咖啡。 (Ordering a drink)

Neutral
你不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。

你不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。 (Ordering a drink)

Informal
不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。

不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。 (Ordering a drink)

Slang
不喝茶就喝咖啡呗。

不喝茶就喝咖啡呗。 (Ordering a drink)

Binary Choice Concept

不是...就是...

Actions

  • eat
  • drink

States

  • cold
  • hot

Examples by Level

1

他不是{喝|hē}茶,就是{喝|hē}水。

He is either drinking tea or drinking water.

2

我不是{看|kàn}书,就是{看|kàn}电影。

I am either reading or watching a movie.

3

这儿不是{冷|lěng},就是{热|rè}。

It's either cold here or hot.

4

他不是{去|qù}学校,就是{去|qù}家。

He is either going to school or going home.

1

周末我不是{打|dǎ}球,就是{去|qù}公园。

On weekends, I either play ball or go to the park.

2

她不是{在|zài}做饭,就是{在|zài}洗衣服。

She is either cooking or doing laundry.

3

这件衣服不是{太|tài}大,就是{太|tài}小。

This piece of clothing is either too big or too small.

4

他不是{想|xiǎng}睡觉,就是{想|xiǎng}吃东西。

He either wants to sleep or wants to eat.

1

这个问题不是{太|tài}难,就是{太|tài}简单。

This question is either too hard or too simple.

2

他不是{在|zài}忙工作,就是{在|zài}忙学习。

He is either busy with work or busy with study.

3

这辆车不是{太|tài}旧,就是{太|tài}贵。

This car is either too old or too expensive.

4

我们不是{坐|zuò}火车,就是{坐|zuò}飞机。

We are either taking the train or taking the plane.

1

这种现象不是{偶然|ǒurán}的,就是{必然|bìrán}的。

This phenomenon is either accidental or inevitable.

2

他不是{在|zài}逃避问题,就是{在|zài}解决问题。

He is either avoiding the problem or solving it.

3

这个决定不是{为了|wèile}钱,就是{为了|wèile}名。

This decision is either for money or for fame.

4

他不是{在|zài}进步,就是{在|zài}退步。

He is either progressing or regressing.

1

这种策略不是{激进|jījìn}的,就是{保守|bǎoshǒu}的。

This strategy is either radical or conservative.

2

他不是{在|zài}追求卓越,就是{在|zài}安于现状。

He is either pursuing excellence or settling for the status quo.

3

这个观点不是{片面|piànmiàn}的,就是{极端|jíduān}的。

This viewpoint is either one-sided or extreme.

4

他不是{在|zài}创造历史,就是{在|zài}被历史遗忘。

He is either making history or being forgotten by it.

1

人生不是{一场|yīchǎng}修行,就是{一场|yīchǎng}博弈。

Life is either a spiritual practice or a game of strategy.

2

这种艺术不是{深刻|shēnkè}的,就是{肤浅|fūqiǎn}的。

This art is either profound or superficial.

3

他不是{在|zài}引领时代,就是{在|zài}被时代抛弃。

He is either leading the era or being left behind by it.

4

选择不是{为了|wèile}自由,就是{为了|wèile}束缚。

The choice is either for freedom or for bondage.

Easily Confused

Either... Or... in Statements (不是...就是...) vs 或者 (huòzhě)

Both mean 'or'.

Either... Or... in Statements (不是...就是...) vs 还是 (háishì)

Both used in questions.

Either... Or... in Statements (不是...就是...) vs 要么...要么...

Very similar to '不是...就是...'.

Common Mistakes

不是A或者B

不是A就是B

Don't mix '不是' with '或者'.

他不是去,就是不去

他不是去,就是不去

Grammatically correct, but ensure the options are distinct.

不是A,不是B

不是A,就是B

You need the '就是' to complete the pair.

不是A,或者B

不是A,就是B

Again, '或者' is for suggestions.

他不是在学习,或者在睡觉

他不是在学习,就是在睡觉

Consistency in the structure is key.

不是去学校,或者去图书馆

不是去学校,就是去图书馆

Use '就是' for the second option.

不是太冷,或者太热

不是太冷,就是太热

The '就是' is mandatory.

不是他去,或者我去

不是他去,就是我去

Use '就是' for the second option.

不是为了钱,或者为了名

不是为了钱,就是为了名

Maintain parallel structure.

不是太难,或者太简单

不是太难,就是太简单

Use '就是' for the second option.

不是激进,或者保守

不是激进,就是保守

Use '就是' for the second option.

不是追求卓越,或者安于现状

不是追求卓越,就是安于现状

Use '就是' for the second option.

不是片面,或者极端

不是片面,就是极端

Use '就是' for the second option.

Sentence Patterns

他不是___,就是___。

这儿不是___,就是___。

我不是___,就是___。

他不是___,就是___。

Real World Usage

Texting very common

你不是在忙,就是没看手机。

Social Media common

生活不是为了工作,就是为了享受。

Job Interview occasional

这个职位不是需要经验,就是需要技术。

Travel common

我们不是坐飞机,就是坐火车。

Food Delivery common

我不是想吃面,就是想吃米饭。

Daily Life constant

他不是在睡觉,就是在看书。

💡

Keep it simple

Start with simple verbs like '吃' or '喝' to practice this structure.
⚠️

Don't over-complicate

Ensure the two options are of the same grammatical category (e.g., both verbs).
🎯

Use it for guessing

It's the perfect way to make an educated guess about someone's actions.
💬

Natural flow

Native speakers use this to sound more decisive and clear.

Smart Tips

Use this structure to sound more like a native speaker.

他在学习或者在睡觉。 他不是在学习,就是在睡觉。

Use this to emphasize the lack of other options.

这很难,或者很简单。 这不是太难,就是太简单。

Use this to show you have narrowed down your choice.

我想吃面或者米饭。 我不是想吃面,就是想吃米饭。

Use this to present a logical argument.

他很忙或者他很累。 他不是在忙,就是在累。

Pronunciation

bú shì

Tone of '不是'

The '不' in '不是' changes tone depending on the following word, but '不是' is usually 'bú shì'.

Binary choice

不是A↗,就是B↘

Rising on A to show uncertainty, falling on B to show conclusion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a seesaw: '不是' pushes one side down, '就是' pushes the other side up.

Visual Association

Imagine a fork in the road. The left path is '不是', the right path is '就是'. You must pick one.

Rhyme

不是A,就是B,选一个,别犹豫。

Story

Xiao Wang is hungry. He stands in front of the fridge. He thinks: 'I am not eating apples, I am eating oranges.' He says: '我不是吃苹果,就是吃橘子。'

Word Web

选择或者不是就是可能性二选一

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, describe everything you do as a choice between two things using this structure.

Cultural Notes

Very common in daily speech to express frustration or limited options.

Used similarly, often with a slightly softer tone.

Often mixed with English particles.

Derived from the logical negation of 'is' (是).

Conversation Starters

你周末通常做什么?

你喜欢喝什么?

你觉得这个工作怎么样?

你对这个社会现象怎么看?

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily routine using '不是...就是...'.
Write about a difficult choice you had to make.
Analyze a current event using this structure.
Reflect on your language learning journey.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blanks with the correct structure.

他___喝茶,___喝咖啡。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是/就是
This is the standard structure.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是看书,就是睡觉。
The structure is '不是...就是...'.
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他不是去学校,或者去图书馆。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是去学校,就是去图书馆。
Use '就是' instead of '或者'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。
Subject goes first.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He is either working or sleeping.

Answer starts with: 他不是...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是工作,就是睡觉。
Correct structure.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 他今天怎么没来? B: 他___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是生病了,就是有事。
Logical deduction.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '不是...就是...' with '太冷' and '太热'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这儿不是太冷,就是太热。
Correct structure.
Sort the sentences. Grammar Sorting

Which is a valid '不是...就是...' sentence?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是看书,就是睡觉。
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct structure.

他___喝茶,___喝咖啡。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是/就是
This is the standard structure.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是看书,就是睡觉。
The structure is '不是...就是...'.
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他不是去学校,或者去图书馆。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是去学校,就是去图书馆。
Use '就是' instead of '或者'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

不是 / 他 / 喝茶 / 就是 / 喝咖啡

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是喝茶,就是喝咖啡。
Subject goes first.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He is either working or sleeping.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是工作,就是睡觉。
Correct structure.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 他今天怎么没来? B: 他___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是生病了,就是有事。
Logical deduction.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '不是...就是...' with '太冷' and '太热'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这儿不是太冷,就是太热。
Correct structure.
Sort the sentences. Grammar Sorting

Which is a valid '不是...就是...' sentence?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不是看书,就是睡觉。
Correct structure.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{不是|bùshì}{你|nǐ},___ {他|tā}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 就是
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence for 'He is either in Shanghai or Beijing.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{不是|bùshì}{在|zài}{上海|Shànghǎi},{就是|jiùshì}{在|zài}{北京|Běijīng}。
Fix the error. Error Correction

Fix: {她|tā}{不是|bùshì}{喝|hē}{茶|chá},{或者|huòzhě}{喝|hē}{咖啡|kāfēi}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {她|tā}{不是|bùshì}{喝|hē}{茶|chá},{就是|jiùshì}{喝|hē}{咖啡|kāfēi}。
Reorder to mean 'Either Monday or Tuesday'. Sentence Reorder

{星期二|Xīngqī’èr} / {不是|bùshì} / {星期一|Xīngqīyī} / {就是|jiùshì}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不是|bùshì} {星期一|Xīngqīyī} {就是|jiùshì} {星期二|Xīngqī’èr}
Translate 'He's either busy or he didn't bring his phone.' Translation

Translate into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{不是|bùshì}{在|zài}{忙|máng},{就是|jiùshì}{没|méi}{带|dài}{手机|shǒujī}。
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

___ {今天|jīntiān}{就是|jiùshì}{明天|míngtiān}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是
Fix the error. Error Correction

Fix: {你|nǐ}{不是|bùshì}{吃|chī}{面|miàn},{还是|háishì}{吃|chī}{米饭|mǐfàn}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你|nǐ}{不是|bùshì}{吃|chī}{面|miàn},{就是|jiùshì}{吃|chī}{米饭|mǐfàn}。
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence for 'Either I didn't go, or you didn't see me.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不是|bùshì}{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{去|qù},{就是|jiùshì}{你|nǐ}{没|méi}{看见|kànjiàn}。
Match the Chinese to English meaning. Multiple Choice

Match: 'If not A, then it is B (Binary choice statement)'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不是...就是
Reorder the sentence. Sentence Reorder

{休息|xiūxi} / {工作|gōngzuò} / {就是|jiùshì} / {不是|bùshì} / {我|wǒ} / {明天|míngtiān}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ}{明天|míngtiān}{不是|bùshì}{工作|gōngzuò},{就是|jiùshì}{休息|xiūxi}。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it is strictly for two options. For more, use '或者'.

It is neutral and used in both spoken and written Chinese.

Yes, e.g., '他不是不去,就是不想去'.

'要么' is often for future choices or commands.

Yes, if the subject is clear from context.

Extremely common.

You will be understood, but it sounds less definitive.

Yes, '这件衣服不是太大,就是太小'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

o... o...

Chinese '不是...就是...' is more emphatic.

French high

soit... soit...

French structure is more formal.

German high

entweder... oder...

German requires specific word order changes.

Japanese moderate

ka... ka...

Chinese uses a verb-based structure.

Arabic moderate

imma... aw...

Arabic structure is more flexible.

Chinese high

非...即...

This is for formal writing only.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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