If Not… Then… (不是…就是…)
不是……，就是……
Express that a situation is limited to one of two possibilities using 不是……就是……
This pattern indicates that the situation is one of two possibilities — either A or B, with no other option. It often implies repetition, limitation, or mild complaint.
A and B are typically parallel in structure. The pattern often carries a tone of resignation or mild frustration, suggesting that things are always one way or the other. It can also be neutral, simply narrowing down possibilities.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: If Not… Then… (不是…就是…) (不是……，就是……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 不是……，就是…… pattern
New here?
Understanding 不是……，就是……
The 不是……就是…… pattern narrows a situation down to exactly two possibilities: "if it is not A, then it is B." It is commonly used when someone wants to say that things always fall into one of two categories, often with a hint of exasperation. For example, when describing a workaholic: 他不是在办公室，就是在实验室 — "he is either in the office or in the lab" (implying that is all he does). The pattern is also useful for describing problems: 这些衣服不是太大，就是太小 — nothing fits! While it can carry a negative or resigned tone, it can also be purely descriptive. The key is that A and B should be the only two realistic options being presented, creating a sense of limited choice.
Key Points
- 不是 A 就是 B — either A or B, no other option.
- Often implies repetition or a pattern: "it is always one or the other."
- Can carry a tone of complaint, resignation, or simple description.
- A and B should be parallel in structure and mutually exclusive.
- The subject appears before 不是 and is not repeated.
- Different from 或者 (or) — this pattern emphasizes limitation, not open choice.
Chinese speakers often use this pattern humorously to describe predictable people or frustrating situations. It is a common way to vent mildly about daily annoyances — like a friend who 不是迟到就是忘带东西 (is either late or forgets to bring things).
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他不是在办公室，就是在实验室。
He is either in the office or in the lab.
Describing a workaholic
这些衣服都不合适，不是太大，就是太小。
None of these clothes fit — they are either too big or too small.
他周末不是睡觉，就是打游戏。
On weekends he either sleeps or plays video games.
最近天天不是下雨，就是刮风。
Lately every day it is either raining or windy.
她不是在看书，就是在听音乐。
She is either reading or listening to music.
这条路不是堵车，就是在修路。
This road either has traffic jams or is under construction.
他每天晚上不是加班，就是出去应酬。
Every evening he is either working overtime or going out for business dinners.
Common Mistakes
The second part must use 就是, not another 不是. The pattern is 不是 A 就是 B.
Both clauses should describe the same subject. Do not switch subjects within this pattern.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
This pattern is perfect for describing predictable routines or recurring problems with a touch of humor.
Keep A and B parallel — same structure makes the sentence flow better.
Remember the tone: 不是……就是…… often implies "there is no third option" with mild frustration.
Do not confuse with 不是……而是…… which means "it is not A, but rather B" — a correction pattern.
Homework
Write six sentences using 不是……就是……. Three should describe a person's habits (e.g., what they always do), and three should describe recurring problems or situations. Try to add a humorous or slightly exasperated tone.