if not contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition where something may occur or be true unless it is limited or restricted in some way. Example: "The chemical reaction can be dangerous if not contained properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The respective ligand was added to the filter list if not contained.

Nature

If not contained and disposed of properly, waste from infected animals can present a risk to human and animal health.

The Times

Mr. Kerry warned that the turmoil in Syria, if not contained, might allow extremists to find haven in a country with chemical weapons.

The New York Times

The experiments carried out demonstrate that the adopted synergy-based planning method works efficiently for all the considered grasps even if not contained in the reference set used for the evaluation of the postural synergies.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

"What it tells me is that the emotion of the twenty-six per cent is real, somewhat understandable, but if not contained could destroy our ability to grow the Party," he said.

The New Yorker

As a result, much of what gets tossed on the street or flushed down the toilets ends up in the harbor and its tributaries, if not contained in the ocean or bays.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In geo-strategic terms, Washington's desire to manage if not contain China's ambitions lies behind the rapprochement with India begun by the Bush administration.

The Guardian - Opinion

This includes vegetarian varieties, and dishes that constitute a meal (even if not containing the three elements above).

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

If its not contained within the manual, research online, or at the company if you find that there is a serious error.

WikiHow

Thus even a simple system such a single photo diode will be conscious to some degree if it not contained within a larger complex.

SEP

An empty staircase polygon is a MESP if it is not contained in another larger empty staircase polygon.

Computational Geometry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if not contained", ensure the context clearly defines what is doing the containing and what is being contained to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "if not contained" when the context doesn't clearly establish what is supposed to be containing something. Ensure that the subject and object of the containment are explicitly stated or easily inferred by the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not contained" functions as an adverbial conditional phrase, modifying a verb or clause. As shown in Ludwig, it sets up a condition under which the main clause is true or likely to occur. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if not contained" is a versatile conditional phrase that is grammatically sound and widely used across varied contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it primarily functions to express potential consequences when containment is absent. While authoritative sources like the New York Times and Science Magazine employ it frequently, be mindful of ensuring a clear and explicit connection between the container and the contained elements. Consider "if excluded" or "unless included" as alternatives to enhance clarity and precision in specific instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if excluded

Highlights the action of excluding something and the resulting condition.

if absent

Highlights the condition of absence as the trigger for a specific outcome.

if not encompassed

Similar to "if not contained" but emphasizes the idea of being surrounded or enclosed.

unless included

Focuses on the necessary inclusion rather than the absence of containment.

absent inclusion

A more concise way of saying "if inclusion is absent".

except when included

Emphasizes the exception to a rule or condition based on inclusion.

failing containment

Describes the situation where containment is unsuccessful or does not occur.

in the event of non-inclusion

A more formal and explicit way of stating the condition of something not being included.

unless inside

Focuses on the condition of being inside a defined space or boundary.

without being encompassed

Focuses on the lack of encompassing or covering something.

FAQs

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

Use "if not contained" to express a conditional outcome based on the absence of containment. For example, "The virus, "if not contained", could spread rapidly."

What are some alternatives to "if not contained"?

You can use alternatives like "unless included", "if absent", or "if excluded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "if not contained" or "unless contained"?

Both "if not contained" and "unless contained" are grammatically correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "If not contained" highlights a potential negative consequence, while "unless contained" emphasizes the condition necessary to avoid that consequence.

What's the difference between "if not contained" and "if not included"?

"If not contained" implies a physical or abstract boundary, whereas "if not included" refers to membership within a group or list. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.