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used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen: I hope to see you there but, if not, I'll call you. If they have any mangoes, get a couple and if not, I'll pick some up tomorrow. Obviously it would be great if Sam could drive us there, but if not, we can just get the train.
- What Does ‘If Not’ Mean?
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘Quite Possibly’
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘Quite Possibly’ – Examples
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘Even If One Is Not’ Or ‘Not Quite’
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘Even If One Is Not’ Or ‘Not Quite’ – Examples
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘An Alternative If Something Does Not Happen’
- ‘If Not’ Meaning ‘An Alternative If Something Does Not Happen’ – Examples
- How to Use ‘If Not’ in The Middle of A Sentence
- Can You Start A Sentence with ‘If Not?’
- Do You Use A Comma After ‘If Not?’
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‘If not’ is a phrase that has different implications, depending on how it is used in the sentence. ‘If not’ can mean ‘quite possibly,’ ‘even if one is not’ or as a way to introduce an alternative in case something does not happen.
‘If not’ can be interpreted as something like ‘quite possibly.’ Most of the time, we use it when referring to a distinction that someone deserves, assuming that distinction can even quite possibly be a bigger one. It’s like saying ‘He deserves a distinction, quite possibly an even bigger one.’ Take a look at the examples below. 1. He’s the fastest ...
Below are examples of how to use ‘if not’ in a sentence where ‘if not’ means ‘quite possibly.’ 1. BTS is the biggest name in Korea, if not the world right now. 2. Alternative: BTS is the biggest name in Korea, quite possibly the world right now. 1. Maya feels thrilled, if not elated, about the project. 2. Alternative: Maya feels thrilled, quite pos...
‘If not’ in a different context can mean something like ‘even if one is not’ or ‘one is not quite.’ Most of the time, we use ‘if not’ to say something like, ‘even if one or something is not quite A, the person or thing is B.’ Take a look at the examples below. 1. He’s a nice friend, if not a diligent student. 2. The show was boring, if not empty. T...
Below are examples of how to use ‘if not’ in a sentence where ‘if not’ means ‘even if one is not’ or ‘is not quite.’ 1. The seminar was long, if not useless. 2. Alternative: The seminar was long, but not quite useless. 1. Gray is smart, if not a hard worker. 2. Alternative: Gray is smart, even if he is not a hard worker. 1. The study materials were...
Another common meaning or application of ‘if not’ is when we use it to indicate an alternative action or what the situation would be if something we expected to happen did not happen. It’s like saying, ‘Our plan A is this. If that does not happen, this is plan B.’ Take a look at the example below. 1. Wait for me until 7 pm. If not, I’ll call you an...
Below are examples of how to use ‘if not’ in a sentence where ‘if not’ shows the alternative action when something does not happen. 1. Let’s meet in the lobby. If not, I’ll be in the officeon the 6th floor. 2. I’ll eat later. If not, I’ll just order delivery. 3. I hope to see you later. If not, I’ll call you. 4. I’ll play two games. If not, I’ll pl...
We can use ‘if not’ comfortably in the middle of a sentence by adding a comma (,) before using it. An example is saying ‘The lecture was boring, if not nonsense.’ Here, we put a comma after the first clause ‘the lecture was boring’ and before using ‘if not.’ Below are other examples of using ‘if not’ in the middle of a sentence. 1. I am diligent, i...
Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with ‘if not.’ Mostly, we use this format when using ‘if not’ to express an alternative action or situation if something we expect to happen does not happen. It’s like, ‘This is Idea A. If not, this is Idea B.’ Below are other examples of starting a sentence with ‘if not.’ 1. I’ll be there by 6. ...
We use a comma with ‘if not’ but not necessarily after it. When using ‘if not’ in the middle of a sentence, we use the comma before it. On the other hand, when we start a sentence with ‘if not,’ we always use a comma after it. Take a look at the example below. 1. Brian is a bookworm, if not academically excelling. In the sentence above, we use ‘if ...
Learn how to use 'if not' in different contexts and meanings with examples. See how 'if not' can mean 'quite possibly', 'even if one is not', or 'an alternative'.
Learn how to use 'if not' to express a possibility or a contrast in English. See examples, synonyms, pronunciation and grammar rules for 'if not'.
You could anticipate the answer and immediately ask a follow-up question, like “If so, do you also offer 4G data plans?” or “If not, what’s the fastest Internet speed it can reach?” In many European languages, you would literally ask “ If yes , do you …?” and “ If no , what’s the …?” instead.
Dec 9, 2023 · Learn how to use the phrase "if not" to express contrast, alternatives, and uncertainty in various contexts and sentences. See examples of "if not" in informal and formal communication and avoid common mistakes.
Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom if not, which expresses the negative result or effect of something or surprise at meeting someone. See example sentences from recent sources and related entries in the dictionary.
Learn how to use if to express different types of conditions, such as imagined, real, or possible situations. Find out the form and meaning of first, second, and third conditional sentences with examples and explanations.
