if not best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not best" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually has an implicit comparison, such as "If not the best option, it is at least a good one." You could use this phrase to indicate that there is some degree of negativity associated with an option, even if it is not the worst one. For example, "The new manager is if not best, at least better than the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The beast's fortunes quickly changed and the horse soon became man's most useful (if not best) friend.

TechCrunch

James Joyce's short story "The Dead" (1914) has been heralded by critics as one of, if not best of its kind in the English language.

Britannica

It seemed that an act of public spirit had drawn one of the wealthiest, if not best known, women in America out of her shell.

The New York Times

Green, too, may make an impression: this is the kind of meaty drama the Academy likes, and could get him a best pic nom, if not best director.

The Guardian - Film

He said new US models, including the Chevrolet Equinox, the Cadillac SRX and the Buick LaCrosse, were proving to be hits: "Their new vehicles, if not best in class, are near best in class.

The Guardian - Business

Mike Fahey from Kotaku describes the game as the "best damn shooter on the TurboGrafx, if not best game overall".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Sunday best if not mourning best.

The New Yorker

"His program is one of the best, if not the best.

The New York Times - Sports

Pettitte answered that Clemens was one of the best, if not the best.

The New York Times - Sports

On the clay, he's one of the best, if not the best.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now I'll be seen as one of the best – if not the best – European centres".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not best" to acknowledge that while something might not be the absolute top choice, it is still of high quality or very suitable. This adds nuance and avoids overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "if not best" in situations where the alternative is clearly inferior or irrelevant. This can dilute the intended meaning and make your writing sound insincere or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not best" serves as a qualifier, typically used to express that while something might not be the absolute top choice, it is still of high quality or very suitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not best" is a useful qualifier indicating something is of high quality, though perhaps not the absolute top choice. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, most commonly in news and media. The phrase adds nuance and avoids overstatement. Related alternatives include "if not optimal" and "if not ideal". Avoid overuse in contexts where the alternative is clearly inferior. While grammatically correct, the phrase's impact is optimized when used thoughtfully to acknowledge other potential options while affirming value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not finest

Replaces "best" with "finest", underlining the superior quality.

if not greatest

Replaces "best" with "greatest", focusing on magnitude or significance.

if not optimal

Replaces "best" with "optimal", focusing on the ideal or most effective solution, even if not the highest quality.

if not ideal

Substitutes "best" with "ideal", suggesting a situation that is very good but perhaps not perfect in every aspect.

if not supreme

Replaces "best" with "supreme", emphasizing the highest level of quality or excellence.

if not top-tier

Uses "top-tier" instead of "best", highlighting that something belongs to the highest class or rank.

if not prime

Replaces "best" with "prime", focusing on the state of being first in rank, excellence, or importance.

if not leading

Substitutes "best" with "leading", which suggests a position ahead of others in a particular field or area.

if not preeminent

Replaces "best" with "preeminent", emphasizing superiority or distinction above all others.

if not unparalleled

Substitutes "best" with "unparalleled", highlighting the unique quality and lack of comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "if not best" in a sentence?

You can use "if not best" to qualify a statement, suggesting something is very good even if it isn't the absolute top choice. For example, "This solution, "if not best", is certainly the most practical."

What's a synonym for "if not best"?

Alternatives include "if not optimal", "if not ideal", or "if not finest". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what is better than "if not best"?

No, it isn't always necessary. Sometimes, the context implies what the best option might be. However, being clear can enhance understanding.

How does the phrase "if not best" affect the tone of a sentence?

It softens the claim, making it more modest and realistic. It acknowledges that other options might be superior, but the one being discussed is still highly valuable.