How to avoid the either-or fallacy?

Although there are situations when a binary option may be legitimate, we should be cautious with either-or statements in order to avoid an either-or fallacy. More specifically we need to ask ourselves:

• Are there more alternatives that the other person has not presented? Perhaps more than two options exist.
• Is the situation oversimplified when in reality it is far more complex?
• Are the options mutually exclusive? Or is there room for overlap or combination?
• Is the other person trying to persuade us?

By critically examining the either-or statement and seeking additional information, we can avoid an either-of fallacy.