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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if it's not inconvenient

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If it's not inconvenient for you to switch offices or make some other change to avoid running into this person, take that step.

Be subtle if you want to find out if there is anything else they might have, like saying "I am collecting lots of these horse figurines, so if you know of anyone else who has some they don't want anymore, please do let me know if it's not inconvenient".

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's not inconvenient.

With a "4" vote, you'd be saying that you might consider some tweaks to your lifestyle, but only if it's not too inconvenient or expensive.

News & Media

The Guardian

As with dieting, exercising doesn't have to be a punishing regime of calorie counting and footstep monitoring - you're more likely to keep up with regular exercise if it's not too inconvenient for you to do so, you might even enjoy it!

Make sure it isn't inconvenient for anyone.

This would sound somewhat plausible if it were not for the rather inconvenient fact that no lawmaker, Republican or otherwise, has been able to produce any evidence whatsoever that voter fraud exists in any meaningful way.

A friend who wondered if the man (and all the other people he had bcc'd) would share it — if it wasn't too inconvenient, of course.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Ideally, if it wasn't so inconvenient, I'd go to Melbourne for my coffee every morning but the journey is so time-consuming that it's not really viable.

You might call Mr. Tichy (pronounced TEE-kee) an outsider artist if it weren't for the inconvenient fact that he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and was for a time a celebrated painter.

News & Media

The New York Times

Today, the town might thrive as a destination for tourists — beyond the serious surfers, bird-watchers, and "Lonely Planet" types who've been coming for decades — if it weren't for an inconvenient abundance of jejenes, a maddeningly aggressive species of sand flea.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it's not inconvenient" to politely introduce a request, showing consideration for the other person's time and resources. This softens the request and makes it more agreeable.

Common error

While "if it's not inconvenient" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional communications. Opt for more direct and confident language to maintain a professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it's not inconvenient" functions primarily as a conditional phrase used to soften a request or inquiry. It expresses politeness and consideration for the other person's time and resources. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts from everyday requests to more formal propositions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it's not inconvenient" is a versatile phrase used to politely introduce requests and inquiries. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and relatively common across diverse contexts like news, media, and how-to guides. While its tone is generally neutral, it’s crucial to tailor language to the specific setting, avoiding overuse in highly formal situations for maintaining professional etiquette. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully to show consideration and respect for others' time, improving communication and fostering positive interactions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if it's not inconvenient" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, use phrases such as "if it doesn't impose" or "should it not cause any inconvenience" to convey respect and professionalism.

What is a more casual alternative to "if it's not inconvenient"?

Casual alternatives include "if it's no bother", "if you don't mind", or simply "if you're free" for everyday conversation.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "if it's not inconvenient" and "if it's not too much trouble"?

"If it's not inconvenient" focuses on minimizing disruption to someone's schedule, whereas "if it's not too much trouble" emphasizes the effort required. Both express consideration, but the latter is slightly stronger.

When should I avoid using the phrase "if it's not inconvenient"?

Avoid using "if it's not inconvenient" in situations where directness and clarity are paramount, such as giving urgent instructions or making critical requests. In such cases, a straightforward approach is more effective.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: