if not outright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'if not outright' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to suggest a stronger alternative. For example, "This procedure may be difficult, if not outright impossible, to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cuts are forgiving, if not outright billowy.

The New York Times

Most politicians are viewed with wariness, if not outright disdain.

The New York Times

The Mercedes Concept BlueZero looks unconventional, if not outright "electric".

The New York Times

Planning was a matter of wishful thinking, if not outright fantasy.

The Economist

The other half's legitimacy, even its existence, must be diminished, if not outright denied.

The New York Times

That might mean deregulation with some preference for Indian companies, if not outright protection.

The Economist

Presidents, like parents, expect from their kin certain deference, if not outright obedience.

The New Yorker

An eruption of violence could undermine the president's claims of success, if not outright victory.

The New York Times

But locally, Wake's system is increasingly considered unwieldy and problematic, if not outright unpopular.

The New York Times

These reports have been met, for the most part, with skepticism if not outright distrust.

The New York Times

Over the years, political power has become increasingly intertwined with business interests, if not outright corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if not outright" to introduce a more extreme possibility or condition after presenting a milder one. This adds emphasis and clarifies the potential severity or extent of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "if not outright" excessively in your writing, as it can make your language sound repetitive or dramatic. Opt for simpler phrasing when the stronger condition is not essential to your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if not outright" functions as a hedge, introducing a stronger alternative to a preceding statement. It qualifies the initial statement by suggesting a more extreme possibility, indicating that something might not just be close to a certain state, but fully in that state. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if not outright" is a versatile expression used to introduce a stronger, often more negative, alternative to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and very common, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "if not outright", remember to emphasize the potential severity of the situation, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Be sure to consider alternative phrases if a milder tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not explicitly

Replaces "outright" with "explicitly", focusing on the clarity of the statement.

if not directly

Substitutes "outright" with "directly", emphasizing the manner of action.

if not patently

Uses "patently" instead of "outright", stressing the obviousness of the condition.

if not obviously

Replaces "outright" with "obviously", highlighting the transparency of the fact.

if not undeniably

Substitutes "outright" with "undeniably", emphasizing the irrefutable nature of the situation.

if not absolutely

Replaces "outright" with "absolutely", focusing on the completeness of the state.

if not completely

Substitutes "outright" with "completely", highlighting the thoroughness.

if not fully

Uses "fully" instead of "outright", emphasizing the extent of the condition.

if not entirely

Replaces "outright" with "entirely", underlining the all-encompassing aspect of the situation.

at the very least

Offers a more understated alternative, focusing on the minimum acceptable condition.

FAQs

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

Use "if not outright" to suggest a stronger or more extreme possibility following a less intense one. For example, "The policy was unpopular, if not outright discriminatory".

What can I say instead of "if not outright"?

You can use alternatives like "if not explicitly", "if not directly", or "at the very least depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "if not outright"?

Yes, the phrase "if not outright" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to introduce a stronger alternative or possibility.

What's the difference between "if not outright" and "if not completely"?

"If not outright" implies a stronger, potentially negative condition or action, whereas "if not completely" suggests a lack of thoroughness or completeness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.