Alternative Complex Sentences
选择复句
Present choices between options using alternative sentence structures
Alternative sentences present two or more choices. Without connectors, you simply list the options with a questioning tone. With connectors, use (是)……还是…… to explicitly frame an either-or question.
还是 is used in QUESTIONS to mean "or" (choosing between options). In statements, "or" is 或者. This is a critical distinction in Chinese grammar.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Alternative Complex Sentences (选择复句)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 选择复句 pattern
New here?
Understanding 选择复句
When you want someone to choose between options, you need alternative sentences. The simplest way is to just list the choices: 你坐火车，坐飞机？(Are you taking the train or the plane?) — the rising tone and context make it clear you are asking them to choose. For more formal or explicit choice questions, use (是)……还是……: 你是坐火车来的，还是坐飞机来的？(Did you come by train or by plane?) The 是 is optional but adds emphasis. Remember the golden rule: 还是 is for questions, 或者 is for statements. This is one of the most common mistakes learners make, so nail this distinction early and you will be ahead of the game.
Key Points
- Without connectors: list options with questioning intonation.
- (是)……还是…… = "is it A or B?" — used in choice questions.
- 还是 is ONLY for questions. In statements, use 或者.
- 是 before the first option is optional — it adds emphasis or formality.
- You can offer more than two choices: A，B，还是C？
- The answerer picks one option — this is NOT a yes/no question.
- In informal speech, 还是 alone often suffices without 是.
Offering choices is considered polite in Chinese culture. Rather than telling someone what to do, presenting options with 还是 shows respect for their preference. You will hear this pattern constantly at restaurants, in shops, and when making plans with friends.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这次旅行你坐火车，坐飞机？
For this trip, are you taking the train or the plane?
No connector — informal choice question
我们星期六去，星期天去？
Are we going Saturday or Sunday?
Simple juxtaposition of options
你是坐火车来的，还是坐飞机来的？
Did you come by train or by plane?
周末你们想去打排球，还是想去打篮球？
This weekend, do you want to play volleyball or basketball?
你喝茶还是喝咖啡？
Do you want tea or coffee?
你是老师还是学生？
Are you a teacher or a student?
我们坐公共汽车去，还是走路去？
Shall we take the bus or walk?
你想吃中餐，还是西餐？
Do you want Chinese food or Western food?
Common Mistakes
In questions presenting choices, use 还是, not 或者. 或者 is for statements only.
Do NOT add 吗 to choice questions. 还是 already makes it a question — 吗 is for yes/no questions only.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Golden rule: 还是 = questions, 或者 = statements. Memorize this and you will avoid the most common mistake.
Never add 吗 to a 还是 question — it is already a question without 吗.
Practice at restaurants: 你要大的还是小的？热的还是冷的？
When someone asks you a 还是 question, pick one option in your answer — do not say "yes."
Homework
Write eight choice questions using 还是 — four about food and drink, two about transportation, and two about weekend plans. Then answer each question with a complete sentence.