Otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a different option that could have been chosen, or to indicate a different result if something had been different. Example sentence: "I would have never known about this opportunity if I hadn't asked around; otherwise, I would have missed out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Determining where this capital is spent needs to be an important issue for investors, otherwise there is going to be a lot of capital wasted in coming years on developing fossil fuel reserves that cannot be burned".

The Guardian

"The great service we have provided should have guaranteed a strong future, but unfortunately our network partners have decided otherwise.

The Guardian - Business

But otherwise – no.

The Guardian - Opinion

The evidence suggests otherwise.

The Economist

The Spaniard thought otherwise and took him deep into the third set before the world No1 rounded it out 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in a tick over two hours.

The Guardian - Sport

It tells us that while men may be trying to make victims of women-through institutional discrimination or otherwise- women are not making victims of themselves.

The Guardian

Dogs in summer bit by gnats or fleas or gadflies, jerking their snouts about, twitching their paws now here, now there, behave no otherwise".

The Guardian - Opinion

That is not just because of the star quality of its past inmates but also because it is situated right in the heart of Paris in the otherwise smart and arty district of Montparnasse.

The Guardian

Likewise some people feel they need secrets, otherwise they fear merging with their spouse.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Through the medium of the puppet, the child finds himself/herself able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings that he/she otherwise could not have.

The Guardian

"We kick-started one year ago with 100 associated consumers," says Soares, "and now we're 500 people every week eating fruits and vegetables that otherwise would go to waste".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "otherwise" to mean 'in other respects', ensure that the contrast is clear and that the sentence doesn't become ambiguous. For example, "The movie was long; otherwise, it was enjoyable."

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise" when you mean "however" to introduce a contrasting point. "Otherwise" indicates a conditional alternative, not simply a contrasting idea. For example, instead of saying "The food was good, otherwise the service was slow", use "however" or "but".

Linguistic Context

Otherwise functions primarily as an adverbial connector, linking clauses by presenting an alternative outcome or condition. Ludwig AI indicates that it introduces a consequence if a certain condition is not met. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its connective role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "otherwise" is a versatile adverbial connector frequently used across diverse contexts to indicate alternative outcomes or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. Its function spans warning about consequences to presenting conditional scenarios, making it a key tool in written and spoken English. While "otherwise" is grammatically correct, be careful not to use it as a direct synonym for "however", as it implies a contingency rather than a simple contrast. It is very common in News & Media, Opinion, and Lifestyle contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Alternatively

Indicates a choice between two possibilities, emphasizing the availability of another option.

If not

Expresses a condition that, if unmet, leads to a different outcome.

Else

A shorter, more direct way to indicate what will happen if the preceding condition is not met.

In other circumstances

Highlights a shift in conditions that would lead to a different result.

Under different conditions

Similar to "in other circumstances" but emphasizes the specific conditions that affect the outcome.

Failing that

Suggests an alternative when the first option is unavailable or unsuccessful.

Or else

Often used to express a threat or warning of negative consequences if a condition is not met.

By contrast

Emphasizes a direct opposition or difference in the alternative scenario.

On the other hand

Introduces a contrasting point of view or a different aspect of the situation.

Conversely

Indicates a reversal or opposition to what has been stated.

FAQs

How can I use "otherwise" in a sentence?

"Otherwise" is used to indicate an alternative outcome or condition. For example, "You need to submit the form by Friday; otherwise, your application will not be processed."

What words can I use instead of "otherwise"?

You can use alternatives like "alternatively", "if not", or "else" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "otherwise"?

Starting a sentence with "otherwise" is grammatically correct, especially when it directly follows a previous statement outlining a condition or situation. For example, "Make sure you have all the necessary documents. Otherwise, the process will be delayed."

What's the difference between "otherwise" and "however"?

"Otherwise" indicates an alternative outcome based on a condition, while "however" introduces a contrasting statement. "Otherwise" implies a consequence, whereas "however" introduces a different point of view.