if not found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing a situation to a possible outcome or repercussion in the case that the situation does not happen. For example: "I will look everywhere for my keys, and if not found, I will have to get a locksmith to help me get into my house."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The return value is a pointer to the matched element or NULL if not found.

Stanford University

Up to half of those who go missing will suffer serious injury or death if not found within 24 hours.

The Washington Post

The date flaws, if not found and fixed, seemed likely to wreak havoc on the economy and government services.

The New York Times

These two functions search a string for a given character and returns a pointer to first occurrence found, or NULL if not found.

Stanford University

About 50 percent of people with dementia who wander away risk serious injury or death if not found within 24 hours.

The New York Times

The rule that indicates that, when looking for or a method or attribute in an object, first check the object folder, and then (if not found) start from the bottom of the class folder and look upward.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

If not, find out how".

The Guardian

If not, find a spot nearby where campsite residents will walk or drive past and sell your wares there.

The Guardian - Money

If not, find one from the list to read about, and tell us why you chose it.

The New York Times

"If not, find out".

The New York Times

If not find a technical co-founder.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context following "if not found" logically connects to the initial search or expectation.

Common error

Avoid placing a comma directly before "if not found" unless it's part of a longer introductory phrase. For example, write: "The item will be replaced if not found" not "The item will be replaced, if not found".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not found" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a contingency based on the failure to locate something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and introduces an alternative outcome. For instance, "The item will be reordered if not found."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

Academia

22%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not found" is a versatile conditional clause used to specify actions or consequences when a search or attempt to locate something is unsuccessful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts including science, academia, news, and general instructions. Its usage spans from formal to informal settings, making it a reliable choice for clear communication. While it is always preferable to follow the grammar rules and recommendations indicated in this guide, its high frequency and wide acceptance are proof of its validity and correct grammatical form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming it is not located

Highlights the assumption that something hasn't been found.

if it remains missing

Focuses on the state of being missing rather than the act of finding.

if it cannot be located

Replaces "found" with "located", focusing on the inability to find something.

if it is not detected

Replaces "found" with "detected", implying a search or examination process.

failing its discovery

Expresses a negative outcome if something is not discovered.

in the absence of discovery

Emphasizes the lack of finding something, adding a formal tone.

if it does not resurface

Implies something was once present but is now missing and hasn't reappeared.

should it not be discovered

Adds a layer of formality and conditionality to the expression.

unless it turns up

Informal, suggesting an eventual or unexpected finding.

in the event of non-discovery

Formal and emphasizes the event that something is not found.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if not found" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the absence of discovery" or "should it not be discovered", depending on the context.

What does "if not found" mean?

"If not found" indicates a condition where a search or attempt to locate something is unsuccessful. It sets up an alternative action or consequence in case the item or information isn't located.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "if not found"?

While less common, starting a sentence with "if not found" can be grammatically correct, especially in instructional or procedural contexts. However, ensure clarity and proper punctuation to avoid confusion. For example: "If not found, consult the user manual."

What are some alternatives to "if not found" in technical writing?

In technical writing, clearer and more precise alternatives to "if not found" include "if it cannot be located", "assuming it is not located", or "if it is not detected".