but not otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that has different alternatives or conditions. For example: "Students are allowed to leave class early only if they have permission from the teacher, but not otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

bespectacled — To describe Ben Franklin maybe, but not otherwise.

The New York Times

These are technically impressive but not otherwise compelling.

The New York Times

The decision is authoritative as to the point so ruled, but not otherwise.

Cornell University

The accused could 'at his own request but not otherwise, be a competent witness.

Cornell University

Treatment resulted in a 10% increase in oxygen consumption in those patients with increased thyroid stimulation, but not otherwise.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Yes, if there is slack in the economy and wages do not rise; but not otherwise.

The Guardian

Were they extremists, then, when they disagreed with DefCon on abortion, but not otherwise?

The New York Times

That purpose was suitably to provide for adjudication in such cases if consent should be given but not otherwise.

Cornell University

Governments can and should step in when a malaise threatens to damage the whole economic system, but not otherwise.

The Economist

Yes, if it increases the profitability of industries where the bulk of investment and innovation takes place; but not otherwise.

The Guardian

It sounds as though the non-blooming plants have been watered and fed but not otherwise tended.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not otherwise" to clearly define the limits of a condition or action. It ensures there's no ambiguity about when the condition does not apply.

Common error

Avoid using "but not otherwise" in overly complex sentences where it can create confusion. Simplify the sentence structure for better clarity. Instead, use a more straightforward conditional statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not otherwise" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope or applicability of a preceding statement. It introduces a strict condition, indicating that something is only valid or permissible under specific circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

38%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not otherwise" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to establish a condition or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts like academia, news media, and scientific literature. It serves to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations by defining the exact circumstances under which something is valid. When used, it's important to avoid overly complex sentences to maximize clarity. While the phrase is widely applicable, simpler alternatives might be more suitable in informal contexts. Use "but not otherwise" to set clear limits and add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excluding other cases

Explicitly excludes other potential scenarios.

excluding alternative scenarios

Emphasizes that there are no other options.

except under other circumstances

Emphasizes the conditional exception, using more formal vocabulary.

without alternate conditions

Stresses the absence of other acceptable conditions.

unless the situation dictates differently

Focuses on situational factors influencing the outcome.

barring other instances

Uses a more formal term (barring) to indicate exclusion.

absent other factors

Highlights the importance of specific factors in the outcome.

save in different situations

Highlights specific situations as the only exceptions.

apart from different situations

Shows a subtle semantic shift towards a separation of cases.

if not under different circumstances

Subtly focuses on whether a different circumstance is possible at all.

FAQs

How can I use "but not otherwise" in a sentence?

Use "but not otherwise" to set a clear boundary or limitation. For example, "You may submit your application online, "but not otherwise"."

What's a simpler alternative to "but not otherwise"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "otherwise not", "except if", or "unless" as simpler alternatives.

Is it redundant to use "but not otherwise" after an "if" statement?

No, it's not always redundant. While an "if" statement sets a condition, "but not otherwise" reinforces that the condition is the only one under which the action is permissible. An example is: "If you have a fever, you shouldn't go to work, "but not otherwise"."

What is the difference between "but not otherwise" and "however"?

"However" introduces a contrast or contradiction. "But not otherwise" specifies an exclusive condition. They aren't interchangeable. Use "however" to present an opposing point, and "but not otherwise" to define the limits of a specific action or condition.