if not defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate a condition that applies when something has not been specified or established. Example: "The variable will default to zero if not defined in the code."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If not defined in the deed, Mr. Engel said, the ownership interests are deemed to be equal.

The New York Times

Both victim and murderer had seen their lives affected, if not defined, by the second world war.

The Guardian

Where was everybody else when Leon needed help?" The question has haunted, if not defined Leon Smith from the very beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

If not defined, the interactions and the resulting complex ensemble can be determined during run time.

Journal of Cheminformatics

But the label friction that punctuated, if not defined, the four years between Helloween's most successful album and their most hated cannot be understated.

Vice

They also cautioned that an exemption for "market-making" activities aimed at avoiding negative impacts on liquidity could "open the floodgates to abuse" if not defined narrowly.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It will also shape, if not define, the chief justice's legacy.

The New York Times

The next year he was signed as a contract player for MGM, and specialized in Latin-lover roles, perfecting if not defining the stereotype.

The New York Times - Arts

On Sunday, Russell will lead the Raiders into New Orleans for a game that may shape, if not define, the 2008 season for Oakland — and for Russell.

The New York Times - Sports

While their influences (everything from the 1960s French Oulipo writers to horticulture and applied philosophy) might sound dauntingly brainy, the results are often witty — easy to love if not define.

The New York Times

Although his subjects -- from the worlds of society, fashion, the arts, royalty, animals and the expansive realm known as photojournalism -- tend to be pretty foolproof, he has a knack for catching them at expressive if not defining moments.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide a default value or fallback mechanism when using "if not defined", to ensure the system or process can continue functioning even without the defined value.

Common error

Avoid assuming readers will understand the meaning or implication of a term or variable simply because it's commonly used in a specific field. Always provide a clear definition, or a pointer to where the definition can be found, to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not defined" functions as a conditional clause, setting a condition for when something lacks a specific definition. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to establish a contingency based on the absence of a defined value or meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if not defined" serves as a crucial conditional clause, primarily used to specify actions or behaviors when a particular term or concept lacks a clear definition. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, though relatively rare, primarily in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity by ensuring the default action is well-understood. Related phrases include "unless specified" and "if unspecified". Remember, always strive for explicit definitions to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless specified

Focuses on the absence of specific instructions.

if unspecified

Highlights the lack of a particular specification.

in the absence of definition

Formal rephrasing emphasizing the lack of a clear definition.

without definition

Directly states the lack of a defined term or concept.

if no definition is given

Specifies the condition of not providing a definition.

if not explicitly stated

Emphasizes the absence of an explicit statement.

if the definition is missing

Highlights the absence of a required definition.

assuming no definition exists

Implies a presumption that a definition is absent.

in the event of no definition

Formal expression for the condition of lacking a definition.

where the definition is absent

Indicates a situation where a definition is not present.

FAQs

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

You can use "if not defined" to specify a condition that applies when a term, variable, or concept lacks a clear definition. For example, "The default value is used "if not defined" elsewhere".

What's an alternative to saying "if not defined"?

Alternatives include "unless specified", "if unspecified", or "in the absence of definition". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to always define a term rather than relying on "if not defined"?

While it's good practice to define terms clearly, using "if not defined" allows you to specify a default behavior when a definition is missing, which can be useful in programming or technical documentation.

What's the difference between "if not defined" and "undefined"?

"Undefined" is a state indicating that a variable or term has no assigned value or meaning. "If not defined" is a conditional phrase used to handle situations where something is undefined by providing an alternative or default behavior.