barring that

USAGE SUMMARY

"barring that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to introduce a possible exception to something you have just said. For example, "I'm not sure I'll be able to attend the party, barring that I finish my paper in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Barring that, he plans to keep them.

The New Yorker

Barring that possibility, the officers treated Mr. Blum abusively.

The New York Times

Or barring that, at least throw some empirical light on the situation?

The New York Times

It's one of those things your uncle Enzo makes, or barring that, you have to yourself.

The New York Times

But barring that catastrophe, what made that one poor, limping dinosaur so unlucky?

The New York Times - Health

But barring that, for a Ford moment, a stupid line isn't enough.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I set the bar that high".

The New York Times - Arts

It has a swanky bar that serves edible food.

The Economist

Interactive screens for tourists recommend bars that closed four years ago.

The Economist

"And there are no local bars that serve craft beer".

The New York Times

The Bentels then transformed the bar that overhangs 42nd Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context preceding "barring that" clearly establishes the primary condition or action, making the exception or alternative easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "barring that" without first establishing what you are making an exception to. Without a clear initial condition, the phrase becomes confusing and lacks context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barring that" functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase, introducing an alternative possibility or condition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. It is often used to present a secondary plan if the first one fails.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barring that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that introduces an alternative or exception to a preceding statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase functions as a conjunctive adverb, offering a contingency plan and fitting well in both formal and informal contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. Related phrases include "failing that" and "unless that occurs". When using "barring that", ensure a clear initial condition is established to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failing that

A concise and nearly synonymous alternative to "barring that".

excepting that

Directly indicates an exception to a previously stated condition.

if that doesn't happen

States the condition in a negative form, similar in meaning.

unless that occurs

A more formal and direct substitute, emphasizing the condition.

short of that

Similar to "failing that", implying a necessary condition.

except if that happens

Focuses on the exception more directly than "barring that".

if that is not the case

Explicitly states a condition contrary to what was previously mentioned.

should that not be the case

A more elaborate and formal way to introduce an exception.

in the absence of that

Highlights the lack of a condition leading to an alternative.

otherwise

A broader term that implies an alternative action or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "barring that" in a sentence?

Use "barring that" to introduce an alternative action or outcome if the initial condition is not met. For example: "I plan to finish the report today, "barring that", I'll complete it tomorrow."

What phrases are similar to "barring that"?

Similar phrases include "failing that", "unless that occurs", or "if that doesn't happen", all of which introduce a condition or exception.

Is "barring that" formal or informal?

"Barring that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and context of the piece.

What is the difference between "barring that" and "otherwise"?

"Barring that" specifically introduces an exception to a previously stated condition, while "otherwise" implies a more general alternative action or consequence. "Barring that" is more precise in its conditional exception.