"if" vs "if not"

Question

"if" vs "if not"

Both 'if not' and 'if' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If not' is used to suggest a possible alternative or exception, while 'if' is used to introduce a condition or possibility.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'if' to introduce a condition or possibility. It is used to talk about something that may happen or be true under certain circumstances.

Examples:

If it rains, we will stay indoors.
I will go to the party if I finish my work on time.

Alternatives:

in case
provided that
on the condition that
assuming that
supposing that

Use 'if not' to introduce a possible alternative or exception to a statement or condition. It implies that the situation might be different from what was just mentioned.

Examples:

He should be here by now, if not, we'll have to start without him.
The project will be completed by Friday, if not, we may need to extend the deadline.

Alternatives:

otherwise
or else
if otherwise not
if that's not the case
if that's not true

Answer 1

if

The word 'if' is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a condition or possibility.

Answer 2

if not

The phrase 'if not' is correct and commonly used in English to suggest a possible alternative or exception.

"if" vs "if not"

if

if not

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