if a response is not forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if a response is not forthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are indicating that you expect a reply or action, but it has not yet been received. Example: "I will follow up with you next week if a response is not forthcoming regarding the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had threatened more sanctions if a satisfactory response was not forthcoming, including issuing a travel warning to discourage Taiwanese people from visiting the Philippines, stopping all high-level exchanges and carrying out the military exercises.

BBC

And very grumpy they get, if an answer is not forthcoming.

The New York Times - Arts

The chairman of the Senate banking committee has said that if "progress is not forthcoming, we are prepared to legislate".

The Economist

"I will await their response, and if an appropriate one is not forthcoming I shall feel forced to question whether Air China is a fit company to operate in the UK".

The Guardian

The country is willing to proceed with its own plans even if a global agreement is not forthcoming, she said.

The New York Times

However, there are fears for the event's long term future if a bidder for 2022 is not forthcoming.

BBC

If the attorney is not forthcoming or does not answer the questions to your satisfaction, look elsewhere.

WikiHow

We therefore call on our governments to set a deadline, soon, for satisfactory response from the Sri Lankan government, and if it is not forthcoming to initiate the international arrangements recommended by the report.

The New York Times

If immediate gratification is not forthcoming, abandon ship.

The New York Times - Tech

If the reform is not forthcoming, the decision on public goods provision must rely on redistributional concerns.

Journal of Public Economics

If US assistance is not forthcoming, the government needs to work with our European allies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if a response is not forthcoming", ensure the context clearly indicates what action will be taken in the absence of a response. This provides clarity and sets expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "if a response is not forthcoming" in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "if we don't hear back" may be more appropriate in casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if a response is not forthcoming" functions as a conditional clause, setting a condition upon which a subsequent action depends. It indicates a scenario where an expected reply or action has not yet materialized, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if a response is not forthcoming" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase, predominantly in formal and professional settings. It serves to establish contingency plans, indicating that further actions will depend on receiving an expected response. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse sources like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While its formal tone makes it suitable for professional communication, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts. Understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there's no reply

Focuses on the absence of a reply, simplifying the wording.

if a reply isn't received

Directly states that a reply hasn't been obtained.

if there's a lack of response

Highlights the deficiency or absence of a reply.

if no answer arrives

Replaces 'response' with 'answer' and uses 'arrives' for a more literal sense of delivery.

unless a response is received

Expresses the condition in a positive form (unless something happens).

in the absence of a reply

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the lack of a response.

if no feedback is provided

Specifies 'feedback' instead of a general 'response'.

should a response not materialize

More formal and emphasizes the uncertainty of the response occurring.

if acknowledgment is not received

Specifies acknowledgment rather than a generic response, implying confirmation of receipt.

if we don't hear back

Simplifies the language to a more casual expression.

FAQs

What does "if a response is not forthcoming" mean?

It means that a reply or expected action has not yet been received or provided. It implies a conditional situation where further action may be necessary if the response does not arrive.

When is it appropriate to use "if a response is not forthcoming"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal or professional contexts when setting expectations for a reply or action. It's common in business communication, legal documents, and official correspondence.

What are some alternatives to "if a response is not forthcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "if there's no reply", "if no answer arrives", or "in the absence of a reply" depending on the context.

Is "if a response is not forthcoming" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both written and spoken English, as Ludwig AI confirms.