if not immediately

USAGE SUMMARY

"if not immediately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something should happen as soon as possible, or in a certain timeframe. For example, "The assignment must be completed if not immediately, then by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We seem to have very good luck with our shows," she said, "if not immediately, then eventually".

The New York Times

Definitely a party, if not immediately obviously a political one.

The Guardian

So the need for a fixed date line was real (if not immediately obvious).

The New York Times

I suggested that another crisis was surely due — if not immediately, then eventually.

The New Yorker

Some arrhythmias, if not immediately identified and treated, are life threatening.

The New York Times - Health

Within a day, if not immediately, Johnson will preside over the selection of a coach.

The New York Times - Sports

That encouragement and group feeling will come soon if not immediately.

The New York Times

Environmental advocates endorsed the findings as a sign that the deadlock over financing could be resolved, if not immediately.

The New York Times

It would have written off Greek debt sooner, if not immediately, to stop private investors offloading it onto official lenders.

The Economist

Jihadist militants do not see their desire to erase Israel as "hopeless", but eminently achievable, if not immediately.

The Guardian - Books

That fact could help to stimulate demand, if not immediately, then at least when the economy appears to stabilize.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not immediately" to indicate the preferred outcome is immediate action, but a slightly delayed action is still acceptable. For example, "Please respond, "if not immediately", then by the end of the day."

Common error

While versatile, "if not immediately" can sound informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "without delay" or "at the earliest opportunity" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not immediately" functions as an adverbial phrase or conjunctive adverb. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating a preferred immediate action while allowing for a slight delay. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if not immediately" is a versatile phrase used to express the desirability of immediate action while allowing for a slight delay. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While generally acceptable, it may be too informal for certain formal or academic contexts, where alternatives like "without delay" or "at the earliest opportunity" might be more suitable. Use it to encourage promptness without being overly demanding. Keep in mind that overuse in very formal writing can diminish the overall impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without delay

Stresses the urgency and the avoidance of any postponement.

as quickly as possible

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of the action.

if not sooner

Emphasizes the desire for something to happen earlier, if possible.

if not right away

A more colloquial and direct alternative.

at the earliest opportunity

Highlights the importance of timing and acting quickly.

as soon as feasible

Focuses on practicality and the possibility of something taking longer than expected.

if not instantaneously

Emphasizes an immediate effect or action with no delay at all.

expeditiously

A more formal and concise way to express the need for speed.

with dispatch

Implies swift and efficient action, often in an official context.

in a timely manner

Highlights doing something within a reasonable timeframe.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if not immediately" for a more formal tone?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "without delay", "at the earliest opportunity", or "expeditiously".

What does "if not immediately" imply about timing?

It suggests that an action should ideally happen right away, but it acknowledges that a slight delay is possible or acceptable. The emphasis is on promptness, but with a degree of flexibility.

Is "if not immediately" suitable for all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "if not immediately" might sound too informal in very formal or academic contexts. Choose alternatives that better suit the tone and audience. See also "most common errors".

What's a more casual way to say "if not immediately"?

In casual contexts, you can use phrases like "if not sooner" or "if not right away".