Two possibilities with 不是 (búshì)…就是 (jiùshì)

Overview

This English reference introduces “Two possibilities with 不是 (búshì)…就是 (jiùshì)” and focuses on the information most useful when reading Chinese.

Structure

不是 + possibility 1，就是 + possibility 2

Examples

This section collects practical observations for recognizing the pattern in context.

Related grammar points

• Earliness or promptness with 就 (jiù)
• Emphasis with 就 (jiù)

• “If … then …” with 如果 (rúguǒ) / 要是 (yàoshì)…就 (jiù)

• “As long as” with 只要 (zhǐyào)
• “Since” with 既然 (jìrán)