if not greater

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not greater" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used when comparing two objects or qualities, and implies a further increase. For example: "My admiration for her grows every day, if not greater."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Equal if not greater.

The New York Times - Sports

Local variation in climate and soils played an equal if not greater role.

Remote Sensing of Environment

But probably 80percentt, if not greater, is office, especially in New York.

The New York Times

Eighteen months on the challenge we face is as great, if not greater.

The Guardian

Why can't the elderly make fools of themselves with equal, if not greater, aplomb?

The New Yorker

His long-term popularity was as great, if not greater, outside the UK.

The Guardian

Yet these items are likely to have seen a similar rise in value, if not greater.

The Guardian - Business

However, of equal, if not greater, importance is the issue of the architecture (or connectivity) of the control law.

European Journal of Control

"Of equal, if not greater, significance are the ethical issues presented.

The New York Times - Arts

The most serious penalty of all surely demands equal if not greater scrutiny.

The New York Times

The promise of cyberspace is just as great as it was ten years ago, if not greater.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if not greater", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "if not greater" when there's no clear basis for comparison. The phrase implies an existing scale or measure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not greater" functions as a comparative conjunction, used to indicate that something is either equal to or possibly exceeds a previously mentioned quantity, quality, or degree. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not greater" serves as a versatile comparative conjunction, suggesting equivalence or potential superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Its frequency is very common and the contexts in which is used are primarily News & Media, Science, and Academia. Common errors include misusing it in contexts lacking a clear basis for comparison. To improve your writing, make sure the context provides the basis of the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not bigger

Replaces "greater" with a synonym that implies larger size or extent.

if not more

Substitutes "greater" with "more", focusing on quantity or degree.

possibly larger

Uses a more direct phrase to indicate something might be bigger.

or even larger

Emphasizes the possibility of exceeding the initial comparison point.

or perhaps bigger

Similar to "or even larger" but uses "perhaps" to soften the assertion.

if not superior

Replaces "greater" with "superior", suggesting higher quality or status.

possibly superior

Implies a potential increase in quality or rank instead of size.

at least as much

Focuses on equivalence while leaving room for a higher value.

potentially higher

Indicates a chance of increase in value or importance.

equal or exceeding

Directly states the possibility of equivalence or surpassing.

FAQs

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

Use "if not greater" to compare two quantities, qualities, or entities, suggesting the second might equal or exceed the first. For example: "The challenge is as great, "if not greater", than before".

What phrases are similar to "if not greater"?

Alternatives include "possibly larger", "possibly superior", or "or even larger", each carrying a slightly different nuance in comparison.

Is it more formal to say "equal to or greater than" instead of "if not greater"?

"Equal to or greater than" is more explicit and often preferred in formal or technical writing. "If not greater" is more concise and suitable for general usage.

Can "if not greater" be used with abstract concepts?

Yes, "if not greater" can be used with abstract concepts such as importance, influence, or impact. For example: "The ethical issues are of equal, "if not greater", significance".