if not invariably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if not invariably' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate an exception to the usual outcome or standard. An example sentence would be: "Most ingredients can be found in any well-stocked grocery store, if not invariably available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In my own many encounters with the media, I have been treated usually, if not invariably, with consideration.

The New York Times

Others endorse a more radical version according to which ordinary objects are typically (if not invariably) partially co-located with objects of the same kind.[11] 'Atoms' may be understood here as denoting chemical atoms (silicon, iron, carbon), as opposed to mereological atoms (a.k.a. simples).

SEP

The combination of HBV/F-HDV/3 is highly, if not invariably pathogenic, however in the current study HBV/F-HDV/3 coinfection was also detected in a low proportion of healthy blood donors.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If it is not invariably true in fact, it is certainly true in the imagination".

The New York Times - Books

He held on to the catches, one of them standing up, and if he was not invariably silken he did the job.

Independent

David Harris London People in public life may be more prepared to admit they were wrong if the press did not invariably describe any considered change of opinion as "a U-turn".

The Guardian

The local expression of Fos protein is a useful marker for geographic spread of pharmacological impact, even if c-fos transcription is not invariably tied to neuronal activation, at least for drugs that induce acute Fos transcription immediately around a microinjection site (including CRF).

BMC Biology

However, unlike dominant white horses, foals with LWS are born with an underdeveloped colon that is untreatable, and if not euthanized, invariably die of colic within a few days of birth.

Wikipedia

If true, this would mean that eukaryotic chaperones do not invariably support the functioning of the defective proteins, including those mutated.

Biology Direct

On the other hand, if the productive connections were not invariable and necessary — but only held for the most part — then the physician could reliably but not invariably produce health (Metaphysics, 1026b30-1027a25).

SEP

But opinions do not invariably follow popularity.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not invariably" to introduce a nuanced exception to a general rule, clarifying that while something is usually the case, there are instances where it is not.

Common error

Avoid using "if not invariably" too frequently in formal contexts, as it can make the writing sound overly cautious or hesitant. Instead, consider more direct alternatives like "usually" or "typically" to maintain a confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not invariably" functions as a qualifier, tempering a statement to acknowledge exceptions. It introduces a level of uncertainty or conditionality, suggesting something is generally true but not in every instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates an exception to the usual outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if not invariably" serves as a qualifier, adding nuance to statements by acknowledging exceptions to general trends. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct way to indicate a condition that's usually the case. Predominantly found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, it balances precision with readability. While useful for introducing exceptions, remember to use it sparingly to avoid diluting your writing's confidence. Consider alternatives like "if not always" or "not necessarily" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not always

Indicates something happens frequently, but not on every occasion.

if not exclusively

Implies that something is mainly, but not solely, the case.

if not necessarily

Suggests that something is probable, but not assured.

if not entirely

Expresses that something is largely, but not completely, true.

if not solely

Similar to 'if not exclusively', but can emphasize a single factor.

if not absolutely

Indicates that something is usually, but not definitely, the situation.

possibly not invariably

Introduces a sense of possibility that something may not always occur.

not invariably

A direct way to negate an invariable condition.

if not uniformly

Emphasizes a lack of consistency across all instances.

except in certain cases

Highlights that there are exceptions to the general rule.

FAQs

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

You can use "if not invariably" to introduce a condition where the expected outcome does not always occur. For example, "The training program improves employee skills, "if not invariably" leading to promotions".

What are some alternatives to saying "if not invariably"?

Alternatives include phrases like "if not always", "if not exclusively", or "not necessarily". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "if not invariably" or just "not invariably"?

Using "if not invariably" adds a subtle emphasis that something is generally true, while "not invariably" simply states that something is not always true. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the general trend or just the exception.

What's the difference between "if not invariably" and "if not always"?

"If not invariably" suggests that something is typically true, but there are exceptions. "If not always" suggests that something happens frequently, but not on every occasion. The key difference lies in the strength of the typicality versus frequency.