if not less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if not less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something can happen, or can be true, to the same degree as something else or possibly to a lesser degree. For example, "They had studied for hours, if not less, to prepare for the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That problem could be solved "if we got together, within a decade, if not less".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tourists quaff large amounts of the stuff but these days they are drinking cheaper, if not less.

The Economist

It put its focus on rapid replacement, which tends to cost the same as slower approaches, if not less.

The New York Times

He was the only one who would leave Mashatu weighing the same, if not less, than when he arrived.

The New York Times - Travel

Stated more simply (if not less charitably) some are out to find one or more protagonists on whom to lay blame.

Harvard University

"In a matter of weeks, if not less, we have product coming out that rivals 10- to 12-year-olds," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

She says workers might be more productive, not less, if given more job security and coddling.

The New York Times

It would be better if management faced more, not less, pressure from investors".

The New York Times

If the confidence is not less than the minimum confidence threshold, we have a significant sequential rule.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Yet, they are more expensive to hire (not less) even if publishing is allowed.

Research Policy

If is an odd integer not less than, then.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not less" to indicate that something is equal or possibly smaller in quantity, degree, or importance to a previously mentioned item. It's particularly useful for nuanced comparisons where precision isn't essential.

Common error

While "if not less" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise language when exactness is required, such as "equal to or smaller than" or "no more than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not less" functions as a qualifier, modifying a previous statement to indicate a possible reduction in quantity, degree, or extent. Ludwig's examples show its widespread use in adding nuance to comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not less" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate that something is equal or possibly smaller than a previously mentioned quantity, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it may be substituted with more precise terms like "equal to or smaller than" in highly formal contexts. Remember to use "if not less" when you want to add a degree of uncertainty or acknowledge potential reduction. This helps avoid overstatement and enhance the accuracy of your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not to a smaller extent

Rephrases the concept with more explicit wording regarding the degree or extent.

possibly the same or lower

This phrase uses a more straightforward approach to suggest the equivalence or reduction in amount.

maybe even smaller

Emphasizes the possibility of reduction with a more casual tone.

at least as much

This expression focuses on the minimum quantity, potentially implying a greater amount as well.

if anything, less

This alternative highlights the possibility of a decrease, contrasting it with a potential increase.

no more than

Specifies an upper limit, allowing for the quantity to be less than that value.

if not, it's smaller

Directly contrasts the alternatives, highlighting the reduction aspect.

or possibly less

Introduces the possibility of reduction as a secondary thought.

at most, the same

This phrase stresses the similarity of the quantity and minimizes the chance of a higher quantity.

equivalent or diminished

This alternative uses more formal language to indicate that the degree could be equal or diminished.

FAQs

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

Use "if not less" to indicate something is equal to or smaller than something else. For example, "The project will take five weeks, "if not less", to complete."

What does "if not less" mean?

"If not less" means something is possibly smaller in quantity, degree, or importance, but at least equal to a stated amount or characteristic.

Is there a more formal alternative to "if not less"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "equal to or smaller than", "no more than", or "at most, the same" for a more formal tone.

How does the meaning change "if not fewer" compared to "if not less"?

"If not fewer" refers to countable items, whereas "if not less" refers to quantity, degree, or abstract concepts.