if not equally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not equally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, suggesting that one may not be as good as the other, but is still comparable in some way. Example: "The two candidates are impressive, if not equally qualified for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We want to be treated by our bigger partners, if not equally, at least with respect," he said.

The New York Times

Like Czechs and Slovaks, Americans and Texans speak closely related languages, share a common, if not equally intense, interest in football games (though the Dallas Cowboys could no longer style themselves "America's Team"), and enjoy each other's cuisines.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday night, Anthony Haden-Guest — gadfly, socialite, New York man of letters — began a similar campaign against a rampant, if not equally pernicious, public problem: the depredations of the self-storage trade.

The New York Times

"Like Czechs and Slovaks," he wrote, "Americans and Texans speak closely related languages, share a common, if not equally intense, interest in football games … and enjoy each other's cuisines".

The New Yorker

The story of a modern patriarch and his legacy, "Footnote" pivots on the uneasy relationship between a father, Eliezer (Shlomo Bar Aba), and his son, Uriel (Lior Ashkenazi), both well-known if not equally well-regarded Talmudic scholars who come to loggerheads.

The New York Times

The aim is to ratchet up international pressure to such a degree that when the two sides do eventually return to the table – and Zomlot is adamant that "without negotiations this conflict can never end" – they will be, if not equally powerful, then closer to parity than ever before.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But he replaced those skills with others that are equally relevant, if not as spectacular.

BBC

The shape of a sword with polished edges and a razor sharp blade that will cut you in half if you are not equally hardened.

Huffington Post

Long distance relationships do not work if both people are not equally committed.

Huffington Post

If the two modes are not equally damped, both "lowering" and "smoothing" effects occur.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Non-uniform liquid velocity fields may be induced if the gas fraction is not equally distributed, e.g. caused by local disturbances.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context provides a clear basis for comparison. The reader should understand what aspects are being considered when you state something is "if not equally" something else.

Common error

Avoid using "if not equally" when there's no clear or relevant basis for comparison. The phrase loses its meaning if the elements being compared are too dissimilar or unrelated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not equally" functions as a qualifying conjunction. It connects two elements while subtly suggesting that one might be lesser in degree or intensity than the other. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and common in usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not equally" serves as a qualifying conjunction, subtly comparing two elements while acknowledging a potential difference in degree. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Common in news, scientific writing and formal contexts, it is useful for making nuanced statements. When employing the phrase, it's best to ensure a clear basis for comparison. Alternatives include "if not as much" and "if not to the same degree", offering subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid use where elements being compared are not comparable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not to the same degree

Emphasizes a difference in intensity or level.

if not quite as

Indicates a slight difference in a specific quality.

if not as much

Highlights a potential disparity in quantity or amount.

even if less so

Suggests a possible reduction in impact or significance.

if not entirely

Implies a partial rather than a complete similarity or equivalence.

though perhaps less

Introduces a concession about a possible reduction in quality or quantity.

if somewhat dissimilar

Highlights a difference while still acknowledging a connection.

while not identical

Focuses on the lack of perfect equivalence, suggesting a nuanced comparison.

if not uniformly

Suggests a variation in the consistency or regularity of a characteristic.

even if not identically

Points out that two elements are not the same, but still bear comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "if not equally" to compare two things, suggesting one is nearly as good, important, or effective as the other. For example, "Both candidates are strong, "if not equally" qualified for the job".

What's a good alternative to "if not equally"?

You can use alternatives like "if not as much", "if not to the same degree", or "if not quite as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "equally if not more" instead of "if not equally"?

Yes, "equally if not more" is a valid alternative that emphasizes the possibility of exceeding the comparison point. However, "if not equally" subtly acknowledges a potential difference in degree, whereas "equally if not more" suggests it could be superior.

When should I use "if not equally" versus "although perhaps less so"?

Use "if not equally" when you want to highlight the similarity while acknowledging a slight difference. Use "although perhaps less so" when you want to concede a noticeable difference and shift focus to another aspect.